by Lauren King
“We are family? We are family yet you would think to use me to get to my betrothed’s money. Mama, you are serious about your expectation of me using Mr. Darcy’s money to help out an ungrateful, unrepentant, foolish sister and her scheming, shameful, despicable husband just so that she can live like a gentleman’s daughter?!” Elizabeth’s expression is one of absolute incredulity, anger, and resentment.
Mrs. Bennet is tired of this entire ordeal. She does not want to get into a debate with her second daughter. Mrs. Bennet just wants this to be over with. Elizabeth will have to help with the finances or else Mrs. Bennet’s own future finances will be greatly affected. She is thoroughly frightened of being thrown into the hedgerows should Mr. Bennet meet his demise sooner than later. She barely will have enough money to live on for one person, much less support any of her daughters. Four percent on five thousand is 200 pounds yearly; how can she live on that meager amount along with two or three other daughters should they not marry? Good Lord, Elizabeth has to help Lydia!
Mrs. Bennet says in frustration, “You will be very rich, Lizzy; a few hundred or a thousand pounds will be nothing to you. I am sure that if you lovingly ask Mr. Darcy, then he will certainly give it to you without any questions. Just use your wiles; you are practically married already.” Mrs. Bennet makes her last statement sound as if it is very acceptable for a young lady to act in such a manner to get money from her betrothed.
“OH MY LORD, MAMA!” Elizabeth gasps loudly and covers her mouth in utter alarm. “You want me to use my wiles with Mr. Darcy because I am practically married already? OH, GOD! I cannot believe this!” Elizabeth shakes her head; her expression is one of horror and shame at her Mother’s thinking and utterances. Disgrace and terror do not cover her current true feelings. She breathes calmly so she can speak her mind.
“I am stunned that you do not see the problems here. Lydia has acted like a…an unseemly, common…flirt and you still protect her. You still indulge her even after what she has done and how she has affected our whole family. Instead of resolving this God-awful problem by teaching her and insisting that she becomes a better person, you expect that I pay for part of her living because my betrothed is wealthy so that she can live like a gentleman’s daughter. If she is a gentleman’s daughter, then she would not have done what she did! She had premarital relations with a man that was not even going to marry her! These are the most DISGUSTING things I have ever heard you say, Mama!” Elizabeth breathes heavily because her voice has been raised the whole time that she has been talking – out of anger but also out of pure dread. No matter how she thinks of it, Elizabeth is staggered by her Mother’s suggestions and thoughts on this subject.
“Oh, Lizzy, it is not as bad as you think.”
“Not as bad as I think? Good Lord!” Elizabeth decides to ignore her Mother’s comment and continue. “Do you know that Sergeant Denny also forced Papa to use me to get more money for him; otherwise, he threatened all of your daughters’ reputations? It is petrifying to know that you insist on the same thing as that devil-incarnate sergeant!” Elizabeth glares her Mother; she is completely ashamed of her. There is nothing left to say about that.
Elizabeth emphasizes her assertion. “I refuse to aid someone as selfish, irresponsible and unrepentant as Lydia. I surely will never use my betrothed’s money to support and indulge a foolish girl so that she can live well above her means without any effort on her part.” Elizabeth takes a deep breath before continuing. “I have to say that I have never been so completely stunned as I am at this moment with you telling me to use my wiles on Mr. Darcy so that he will give me money.” Elizabeth is repulsed and ashamed of her Mother’s proposal; if there are stronger words to describe what she feels at this moment, then those are the words that she wants to use.
Elizabeth breathes deeply a couple of times while shaking her head and then calmly says, “I have decided that I will not attend Lydia’s wedding. I cannot overcome all that you have said and what you expect of me. I cannot overcome Lydia’s stupidity and impenitent ways. Good bye, Mama.” Elizabeth opens the chamber door and walks downstairs quickly.
Mrs. Bennet cries out, “Oh Lizzy, it is not as scandalous as you think about what I suggested. He is going to marry you anyways.” Mrs. Bennet flutters about with all her anxiety now. She is very annoyed that Elizabeth is making everything difficult; she is selfish not to help her younger sister.
Elizabeth heard her Mother’s claims as she was making her way down stairs. Her mother truly believes all that she had said to Elizabeth. Elizabeth reaches the drawing room and searches for William. Their gazes lock and she feels better. She needs to be with William to steady her and to strengthen her. Without delay, Darcy stands to meet her; he can tell that she is extremely upset. Jane had told him that Mrs. Bennet was talking to Elizabeth. He wonders what Mrs. Bennet or Lydia did this time to cause Elizabeth such distress. Everyone in the room notices Elizabeth’s irritation.
Elizabeth stands next to William, and he looks at her worriedly. He wants to hug her to reassure her of his love, but he cannot with everyone present. Darcy asks warmly as he reaches out to hold one of her hands. “Is all well, Lizzy? Do you need my assistance with anything?”
“No, thank you, William. I will explain everything to you after I speak to Papa, all right?” Elizabeth replies most tenderly, but she cannot smile because she is completely mortified by her Mother’s suggestion.
“Certainly.” Darcy looks even more concerned now because he knows that something terrible must have occurred between her and Mrs. Bennet for her to be so disturbed.
Then, Elizabeth turns to her Father to say, “Papa, may I speak with you in your book room right away?”
“Most definitely, Lizzy.” Mr. Bennet answers while making his way to the door with Elizabeth following him. He knows that his wife must have upset Lizzy beyond her tolerance. This is not going to be good.
In Mr. Bennet’s book room, Elizabeth relays all that was said by Lydia, her Mother, and herself. Mr. Bennet shakes his head in disbelief and asks, “I understand your anger and your decision not to attend this wedding, Lizzy. You are fair and sensible, thus if you have decided not to attend, then I will not try to dissuade you. I am very sorry that your Mother said those things to you; it is unpardonable. I will speak to her. I will be very sorry to see you leave so soon. Will you leave for town immediately?”
“I will talk with William first, Papa. I am sorry. I just cannot abide by Lydia’s unabashed, shameless ways any longer. As for Mama, I am plainly mortified beyond belief.” Elizabeth states with exasperation for the condition of her relationship with her Mother and her youngest sister.
“All right, then.” Mr. Bennet pats both of Elizabeth’s hands with sympathy but also with anger for what Lydia and his wife had said to Elizabeth.
Her Father sends William and Jane into his book room so that Elizabeth can explain to both of them what has occurred. Obviously, both of them are also offended and aghast.
“You will not stay at all, Lizzy?” Jane asks with understanding.
“I want to speak with William a little bit further, first, Jane.”
“All right, I will wait for you in the drawing room, then.” Jane responds sympathetically and then walks out leaving the door wide open.
“Dearest, I am sorry; are you truly well?” Darcy inquires worriedly as he holds her hands. “I am disgusted by your Mother’s and youngest sister’s words and conduct. They are even worse than what I have assessed; I am sickened. I am not sorry for thinking this way.” Darcy is glad that they are speaking in private because he only speaks this openly with Elizabeth; she understands his intentions. He sees that she is mortified; hence, he wants to ease her concerns. “Forgive me; I do not mean to add more to this. I am infuriated that they hurt you.”
“Darling, there is nothing to forgive. You are correct about them, unfortunately. You know that I am aghast by them too.” Elizabeth squeezes William’s hands to show him that she is not offended by his comme
nts. “I was so disappointed and irate when I was talking to them, but I feel better now that I am in your presence. To be able to talk to you personally is alleviating some of my distress.” Elizabeth reaches for William’s cheeks; she cups and caresses them lovingly. This eases her tension.
“I am glad.” Darcy feels such elation with her touch and her show of affection for him. He cannot hold back; he quickly hugs Elizabeth completely into his embrace and kisses her head, but he also releases her, swiftly. He does not want anyone catching them in a compromising position, not that he would hesitate to marry Elizabeth on the spot if they were caught. He simply does not want her to ever have a questionable reputation because she does not deserve to be tainted in any way. After the brief hug, they stand facing each other about two feet apart without touching one another in case anyone should approach.
“What do you think I should do?” Elizabeth asks genuinely.
“What is your first instinct?” Darcy poses with empathy.
“My first instinct is not to attend this wedding because I can see that it has no true meaning for Lydia if I stay; she is so ridiculously petty and dense right now that she will continue to be jealous and angry at my dress being better than hers.” Elizabeth rolls her eyes sarcastically and then she continues, “Furthermore, it does not feel right that I should falsify my feelings in regards to her. Moreover, I do not want to speak to my Mother at this time. I need time away from them. Is that too harsh?” Elizabeth frowns in sadness and annoyance all at once.
Darcy looks deeply into Elizabeth’s eyes and with great sympathy he says, “You should do what you feel is right for you. You have tried to talk to Miss Lydia and your Mother, but they refuse to change for the better; hence, there is nothing more you can do. You can try to talk to them again another day when some time has passed. Perhaps, with the wedding in the past then they will see things clearer. I will support whatever you decide. I will always be by your side to help you in any way I can. I love you.”
“I love you so very much.” Elizabeth states, categorically, then she asks, “Darling, do you think that Sergeant Denny will go back on his word if he does not see you or Richard present at the wedding?”
“Not if he knows what is good for him. If he does not heed my advice, he and his family will be in a heap of disgrace. Now, do not worry about that. I will take care of him. Do you want to leave for town, now? Do you need to talk to your Father further?”
“I had wanted to spend some time with Papa after the wedding, but with what has happened, it will be straining in our household. I think it best if I leave now. Maybe Papa can come to town some days before our wedding; that would be good.” Elizabeth responds sadly.
“Whatever you want is fine with me. He can surely stay at Darcy House if there is insufficient space at your Uncle’s home.” Darcy offers generously.
Elizabeth comments with joy. “Oh, darling, Papa would enjoy your library very much; I am certain.” Elizabeth smiles and then says, “You are so generous; thank you. Let me go tell Jane what I have decided. I do not want to deprive her of enjoying the celebration. What do you think of Richard staying with Jane and then they both can leave tomorrow with our maid when she comes back from accompanying me today?”
“That is a good idea. You should inform your Father and Jane, then.” Darcy is glad that Elizabeth is thoughtful, well-grounded, and sensible; she will be a perfect mistress for Pemberley – perfect for him.
Elizabeth explains to her Father and Jane. Jane is reluctant to stay, but she wants to have one last talk with Lydia and her Mother. Jane asks Elizabeth to go pack while she speaks to Lydia and their Mother. If Lydia is repentant and their Mother regrets what she has said, then Jane will stay until tomorrow to calm their family down. If they are unrepentant, then Jane will go with Elizabeth back to town right away.
“Jane, you do not have to go back to town with me. You can stay with everyone for a while. I just know that I will not be able to get through to Lydia and Mama, and I can no longer tolerate their behavior and conduct. There is too much tension, resentment, and awful expectations of me; I will not be used in that manner.” Elizabeth states resolutely.
“I understand completely, Lizzy. You should go pack. I want to talk to Lydia and Mama, quickly.” Jane responds with understanding.
“What? Lizzy is not staying for her own sister’s wedding? What a headstrong girl! She is selfish not to help her youngest sister!” Mrs. Bennet proclaims.
Jane is flabbergasted. “Mama, Lizzy is not selfish! You must not say things like that. You do not know what she was willing to do for our family when Lydia was with child and almost ruined all of her sisters’ reputation. Lydia is selfish, not Lizzy!”
Instantly, Lydia screams, “I am not selfish!”
Jane ignores Lydia’s declaration and continues. “I cannot hold my tongue any longer, Mama. You are wrong. You are wrong for indulging Lydia all these years. You are wrong for not curbing Lydia’s ways and manners. You are wrong for continuing to treat Lydia the same way even after she has caused so much trouble for everyone in our family. You are wrong for saying all those terrible things to Lizzy. You are wrong for thinking that Lydia could catch a good husband with the way she acts – just look at the man that she has caught. He was ready to ruin us all!” Jane has never been so forceful with anyone, much less her Mother.
Mrs. Bennet is shocked at Jane’s exclamation; her eyes are round as saucers with her mouth agape.
“He would not have done that!” Lydia yells loudly in defense of her soon-to-be-husband.
Finally, Jane looks at Lydia. “You are a…not-so-smart girl, Lydia! He refused to marry you right from the beginning even when he knew that you were carrying his child. When he found out that Papa was willing to pay him money, he came back and demanded even more money. He even used the information that you gave him regarding Mr. Darcy being rich to force Papa to coerce Mr. Darcy to pay him or else he would not marry you. He said that he was not responsible for our reputations and for what others thought about us. He even pointed out that other people around here already knew of how friendly you were with him. What kind of a man says that to his future Father-in-law? I will tell you – the kind of man that is not good.” Jane states with great agitation.
Lydia fumes and intercepts. “I had told John that Mr. Darcy was very rich and that he should help us because we were all going to be family. I made that suggestion because it is true. Why should I have to live inferiorly and be deprived of the good things in life? Papa should provide for me anyways. That is his responsibility; otherwise, other family members should help.” Again, Lydia speaks as if she is a small child who thinks she is entitled to anything she wants.
“You actually think that?! This is incredible! Maybe you will have to live inferiorly and be deprived because you have made mistakes with your life and you do not want to learn from them; you still do not want to learn. You only want to have others fix your mistakes so you can live a good life. Do you hear yourself? You do not even lend a helping hand to help yourself. May be that is why, Lydia.” Jane turns to her Mother. “Mama, are you hearing all this from Lydia?” Jane is exhausted; she has never been this upset and disappointed with any of her family before. She waits for her Mother to correct Lydia, but her Mother does not. Her Mother just seems annoyed. Jane looks back at Lydia. “Nobody is obligated to help you if you are a mean, unrepentant person.”
Lydia screams loudly, “Lizzy is horrible and selfish with all her wealth – not me!”
Jane shakes her head and is revolted at her youngest sister and her Mother. “I can no longer condone or tolerate Lydia’s behavior, Mama. I cannot say anything about you, Mama because you are my mother. You need to decipher what you are doing to your family. Lizzy is leaving for London; she is not staying for this wedding.”
Lydia swiftly interrupts Jane like a sulking angry little child that is not getting her way. “Well, I do not want her to stay either; it is my wedding! I do not want her at my wedding; she is
a big, selfish meanie!”
Jane’s eyes fix on this inane, thoughtless, irrational sister of hers, and then she turns to her mother to say, “I have decided that I cannot stay either, Mama. I will leave for town immediately with Lizzy. Good bye, Mama. Lydia, I hope you will mature more and think about what you have said and how you have acted towards everybody in your family, especially Lizzy. You will find out one day that non-family members will not tolerate you as your family has, and then they will cut you directly in public putting you to shame. If you keep up your current attitude and personality, you will drive any decent people away – family included.” Jane walks out.
Mrs. Bennet speedily walks after Jane. “Jane, you do not have to leave with Lizzy. Stay for Lydia’s wedding.” Mrs. Bennet entreats nicely. “If Lizzy wants to leave, then she can leave, but you do not have to leave.”
“Mama, if Jane is going to be reprimanding like Lizzy, then I do not want her to attend either; I do not want to hear any scolding. This is my wedding!” Lydia declares stridently.
“Lydia, that is enough. Jane is not like Lizzy. Jane would share her money if she has what Lizzy has.” Mrs. Bennet tries to pat and caress Jane’s arm to appeal to her so that she will stay for the wedding. “How close are you to an engagement with Mr. Morgan, Jane?”
Mrs. Bennet’s words cause Jane’s eyes to widen in utter shock like they have never been before. Is her Mother going to ask her to persuade Mr. Morgan to give her money so that she can help support Lydia? This cannot be true; it cannot be. Jane decides to ignore her Mother’s question and address Lydia’s hateful comment.
“Lydia, I do not want to stay to see your spite and ugliness towards your sisters. You do not even know what your family has done for you because you are a selfish, foolish, uncaring girl. You do not even know what is good for you. Lizzy and I have tried to tell you, but since you do not want to listen then you can carry on with your life the way it has been.” Jane turns to her Mother standing next to her and asserts, “Good bye, Mama.” Jane leaves the room.