It had been a delight to put Lady Catherine in her place when she had recently visited Longbourn. She had come to visit with the intent of intimidating Elizabeth, hoping that she would renounce her plan to marry Fitzwilliam. She had not realized who Elizabeth was, or more importantly who her father was, until arriving at Longbourn.
*~*~*~*~*
29 November 1811
Tom had been in his library when Lady Catherine was announced. Elizabeth had gone visiting the neighbours with her mother. Thus, Hill had come to inform him that Lady Catherine insisted on speaking with one of Miss Elizabeth's parents.
Tom entered the front parlour and saw that she had made herself comfortable in his favourite chair. As he entered the room, she rose to her feet.
"Ah, Catherine, what a pleasure it is for you to come to visit me at Longbourn. Why, I had a letter from your brother just today! He did not mention anything about your intentions to call on my family. How good it is you see you!" Tom Bennet smirked as he spoke.
With great surprise, Lady Catherine endeavoured to maintain her haughty air. "Thomas Bennet, what are you doing here?"
"I live here, Catherine. It might be more appropriate for me to ask you, what you are doing here?”
"You! You are behind this outrage! I should have known! Miss Elizabeth Bennet is your daughter?"
"Catherine, I have no idea what outrage you refer to! But yes, Elizabeth is indeed the second of my five daughters. What is that to you? Why are you here?" Tom Bennet of course knew why she would have come, but he would not give her the satisfaction.
"I am here to refute a rumour of an intended marriage between your… your… daughter and my nephew!”
Mr. Bennet continued, "I assure you Catherine, that if a rumour so exists, your presence here will do nothing but substantiate it."
"This is not to be borne, Thomas Bennet! I demand you tell me once and for all! Is your daughter insisting that she is engaged to my nephew?"
"She is indeed, Catherine, as is your nephew! By the way, he is currently in London obtaining a special license. He plans on returning the day after tomorrow. I know your nephew well enough to know he will not appreciate your interference."
"This marriage, which you delude yourself in to believing shall occur, will never take place! Darcy is engaged to my daughter!"
"Catherine, do you not know who you are speaking to? No agreement has ever existed! It was a presumptuous design you tried to impose upon Anne. You and I both know George never agreed to it. Your brother knows this to be the truth as well, and honours your nephew’s match. In fact, he and his entire family plan to arrive in the late afternoon three days before the wedding!” exclaimed Mr. Bennet.
“You of course, are welcome to attend, Catherine.” The last was said more calmly as he attempted to compose himself.
"Is this to be borne? Pray, attend to this, Thomas Bennet! Your daughter shall never be a part of my family!”
“Well, Catherine. You are speaking the truth in your last sentence, at least. For my Elizabeth will be a Darcy, not a de Bourgh or even a Fitzwilliam. Your nephew has asked her to become his bride and she has accepted. Why the notices have already been published, as they are in the paper today! Would you care to see for yourself, madam?
Lady Catherine scoffed at the suggestion, puffing her breast out like a proud bird. “Believe you me, Mr. Thomas Bennet, I shall know how to act! A woman of no connections and no fortune, who is determined to trap my nephew with her art and allurements; a woman bent upon exposing him to ridicule and censure! It shall not be borne! Oh, yes, I will know how to act!”
"Catherine, we both know all you speak of is intentional exaggeration. In regards to connections and fortune, as well as any threat you might try to make, this is just not true! I am aware that your brother Edward is the trustee of Rosings. In truth, you have a great deal to lose should you decide to turn on your family. You could find yourself displaced from your home, could you not?" Tom's gaze peered deeply into hers, his arms crossed in front of him.
"I am not accustomed to such language as this! You cannot threaten me! I knew that the Darcys would rue the day they connected themselves to the likes of you! I take no leave of you. I send no greetings to anyone in your family. You may inform your daughter that I am most seriously displeased," huffed Lady Catherine.
"Frankly, Lady Catherine, I care not if you are displeased. Now if you do not mind, my man will see you out," Mr. Bennet stated with finality.
*~*~*~*~*
Tom Bennet continued to contemplate his soon to be son-in-law and Lizzy’s upcoming marriage. He thought of all of Mr. Darcy’s relations. It was not long before he found himself reliving a ball he attended some twenty-five years previous.
*~*~*~*~*
20 October 1787
Tom Bennet entered the Stanhope's Ball that evening with anticipation. Would there be anyone there he would fancy this night? It seemed too soon for the season to draw to a close, and he had only seen one young lady he would consider as a future bride. He saw her standing across the dance floor, and moved in a determined manner across the room to approach her.
“May I have the next dance, my lady?” asked Tom Bennet.
“Of course you can, Mr. Bennet,” a lovely pair of fine eyes and an impertinent grin smiled back at him.
He had led her to the dance.
As they had moved down the line, his partner said, “I believe we should have some conversation, Mr. Bennet.”
Tom Bennet answered, “Do you talk as a rule while dancing then, my lady?”
“Oh, no, I would rather remain taciturn and silent. Like you, sir, I am often unwilling to speak unless I can say something that will amaze the room…”
The conversation continued with such twists and turns, and Tom Bennet was bewitched indeed. She was incredible. He began to consider that perhaps love at first sight did exist. As their dance came to an end, he escorted her back to her family.
*~*~*~*~*
Tom Bennet remembered that evening with fondness, but also with regret. What was love, he really did not know. Perhaps he never would know. Had he been telling himself a lie all of his life? It was not until he saw true love demonstrated between his daughter and Fitzwilliam Darcy that he began to believe he had.
Chapter 10
5 December 1811
Elizabeth had promised her mother and father that she would spend this day at Longbourn. She had broken her fast with her family, had her final fitting for her trousseau with the Modesto, and had taken a walk in the gardens with Jane.
Luncheon was with the family. They talked and laughed as they recalled happy memories of their childhood. Elizabeth was aware time was short before she became Mrs. Darcy, and she was grateful for a quiet day in this hectic time before her wedding.
However, she also found herself overwhelmed with a steady ache for William. She missed him. He had become such a part of her daily life, and of her happiness, that it was hard to have a day without him. She was grateful he was scheduled to come for dinner that evening.
She had promised to spend time with her father after lunch. So, she approached his library about an hour after completing their lunch, and knocked on the door.
“Come in, my Lizzy. Come and talk to your papa while you still can,” Mr. Bennet said with a sigh.
“Oh, Papa, you know you are not losing a daughter! You are only gaining a son, are you not?” Elizabeth answered.
“Perhaps, but have a seat my dear. I want to speak to you about your Mr. Darcy, and let you know a little more of my history with his family,” began Mr. Bennet.
“I know that you said that you were friends with William’s father. But I would like to know more, as I will soon be a part of his family,” Elizabeth returned.
“Well, I was not just friends with George Darcy, he was my best friend, Lizzy. I was also very good friend with Edward Fitzwilliam. He is your Mr. Darcy’s uncle, and the current Lord Matlock. The three of us were almost inseparable both at Eton and th
en at Cambridge. We stayed in the same large suite of rooms at Cambridge, spent holidays in each others company, and stayed in each other’s homes.” Mr. Bennet stood up and walked to the window, lost in his thoughts.
“George and I went on our Grand Tour together. We visited France, Italy, Greece, Spain and even parts of the Mediterranean while we were away.
“I was best man at George’s wedding to Anne. And, while I have not spoken of it with Fitzwilliam, I believe he may have made the connection. You see Edward and Amelia Fitzwilliam, Lord and Lady Matlock, were godmother and godfather for your betrothed. I am his second godfather.”
Elizabeth was in shock at first, but finally said, “You are William’s godfather? That is, that is unbelievable Papa. You have never spoken of it with him? I do not understand…”
“I thought it was important that you know some of my history with Fitzwilliam. He will be dining here tonight, and your mother knows of my history with his family—in case she should say something. I did not want this to be a shock to you,” explained Mr. Bennet.
Elizabeth rubbed her forehead and continued to listen to her father in amazement.
“I was at Pemberley when Fitzwilliam was born, Lizzy. I was at his christening. I have followed him all of his life. I have kept up with his life through Edward. Though I have not seen Edward since George’s funeral, we have continued to write. Edward is thrilled that you are to be his niece. He wrote recently that he believes George would have been thrilled as well.”
Her father gathered his courage together to share what he meant to say next, “There is one other thing of which I wish to speak with you. This is something I have discussed with Fitzwilliam. It is about my financial situation, and yours as well.
“You see, George and Edward assisted me in my financial education. My financial situation is much different than I would have most people think. I made some very wise investments with my friends’ assistance. Later, I was able to trust my own expertise, and I have amassed quite a fortune, Lizzy. You will now be the only one in the family to know of it. I trust you and want you to know, because despite what you may have thought, you actually have a dowry of twenty thousand pounds.”
Elizabeth was stunned and had trouble forming her thoughts to speak, but eventually she exclaimed, “Goodness! But, how father? I do not understand!”
Mr. Bennet continued, “You see, my dear, I am aware that Longbourn is entailed to the silliest man in the universe. I wanted to make certain that things were in place for my daughters and my wife in the event of my demise. You and Jane both have twenty thousand pounds for your dowries. Hopefully--Mary, Kitty and Lydia will have the same by the time their suitors begin to call.
“One of the reasons I wanted to speak to you is I also have plans to keep your mother from being ‘turned out into the hedgerows’, as she is rather fond of complaining. I have provided for her and your sisters, should I depart this earth prior to her death. I purchased the Great House at Stoke a couple years ago, Lizzy. It is in good condition, and I have a servant in my employ that provides housekeeping once a week. I do not keep a staff as it is currently without a tenant, but my steward addresses have problems as they arise. It does not have the income that Longbourn does, but with the tenant cottages that are on the property, the income pays for upkeep and I have a little left over each year.”
“Mama knows nothing of this?”
“That is one of the reasons I wanted to speak with you, Lizzy. You have always been the smartest of my daughters, and you know your mother’s nerves as well as I. I have long believed that if your mother were aware of our true wealth, she would find a way for us to exceed our income. I have concealed the truth from her, as I wanted to be sure there would be a legacy to pass on to my family. “
“Papa, you know, I am not sure mother’s nerves are as severe as we think. Have you ever thought she might use them as an excuse?” Elizabeth asked, with the knowledge gained from overhearing her mother’s conversation earlier in the week.
“I do not know, Elizabeth. But it is such behaviour that persuades me to suspect she would exceed my income if she knew what it was. My dearest child, I have an income of over twenty thousand a year. Can you imagine how she would react? How soon every fortune hunter in the area would converge on this house to try and win my daughters for their fortunes alone? I would not have you marry for the funds you can give another, my dear. I have always desired for you to marry for love. Elizabeth, I hope I am not wrong. I believe that you have come to love your William, am I right?” He smiled a warm smile at her.
“Yes, Papa, you are quite right. He is truly the best of men,” Elizabeth honestly answered him.
“Then I am very, very happy for you, my dear. That my dearest girl and my godson have made a match has made me exceedingly happy!”
“Now, I want to mention an errand I would like for you and Fitzwilliam to attend to for me before you leave the area for Derbyshire. Perhaps the day after tomorrow would work, as I believe that the Matlocks and Darcy’s sister will not arrive until late that day. I would like for you and William to go and see the Great House at Stoke. I want you to look it over, and consider what your mother and your younger sisters would need to see to their comfort if they lived there. I would like to take advantage of Fitzwilliam’s expertise in estate management, and have him look at the land. I am not sure what needs to be done to improve the property— if I should consider leasing it until it is needed, or if I should seek another estate altogether.”
“Do you think the two of you would be willing to take a picnic, and visit the family’s other estate, my dear?” He winked at her.
“If you are sure you support us being alone to do that, Papa,” she laughed. “I am more than willing. You may discuss it with William tonight.”
“Well, it has been unseasonably warm. I will loan you my curricle for the trip. It should not be a problem for you to travel there in an open curricle. I will be sure you have some heavy rugs included in case it gets a little cold. The two of you cannot get into too much trouble in that manner, can you?”
Elizabeth slightly blushed, which caused a Mr. Bennet’s curiosity to rise slightly, but decided to let it go for now.
“Well, now you may run along my dear,” Mr. Bennet finished and Elizabeth left the library.
*~*~*~*~*
Later in the afternoon, Elizabeth left the house and walked to Longbourn’s stables, internally laughing at herself. She knew that Darcy applauded her curiosity, but she was also aware that her intended mission for the day was quite unusual. As William Shakespeare had said in Much Ado About Nothing, curiosity could kill a cat. Thank God she had gotten over her childhood fear of horses. She was grateful her father had insisted on riding lessons, as William had told her the best way to see Pemberley was on horseback. If she were still afraid of horses she would never have been capable of attempting her planned action.
Elizabeth approached Sampson's stall, feeding him pieces of an apple she had brought with her. "Hello there, Boy," she said as she patted him on the head. Sampson was her father's horse, and was a beautiful stallion. She had ridden enough with her father that she was quite familiar with the horse. As is often true with stallions, he would not allow many people to approach him.
Elizabeth had searched her father's library the day before, and had not found what she was looking for. So here she was in the stable. She had excused Stephen, the stable hand, by assuring him that she was not going to ride. He was told she only wanted to visit with the horses, so she was quite alone there.
She opened his stall and entered, continuing to maintain physical contact with Sampson in order not to spook him.
Little did she know as she entered Sampson's stall, that Darcy was entering the stable with Apollo. He watched her from afar as she greeted the horse, wondering what she was about.
He quietly secured Apollo and began to carefully approach Sampson's stall, as he did not want to startle Elizabeth or the horse. As Darcy approached them he held
some sugar cubes in his hand to keep Sampson in check. He watched Elizabeth.
What on earth is she doing? He thought.
Elizabeth was squatting down and appeared to be rubbing the horses belly as if she were looking for something.
Darcy was gently stroking the horse’s muzzle and cleared his throat to see if it would attract her attention.
Elizabeth pulled away from Sampson, standing up abruptly. "William! What a surprise to see you." She blushed profusely.
"I was invited to dinner, my love. I just came a bit early in hopes of spending some time alone with you. Though I have to admit I had not thought to find you in the stable, Lizzy. Can you tell me what you are doing?"
"No… I… William, I cannot."
"Cannot or will not?" Darcy questioned.
"Please William, please just let this be!" Elizabeth begged him.
"Elizabeth, you know you have promised not to lie to me," Darcy exclaimed.
She dusted off her clothes and approached him. "I did promise not to lie to you. However, I did not promise to always answer your questions. We ladies must keep an air of mystery about us, sir," she said with a raised brow and a slight smirk as she opened and closed the stall door, exiting Sampson’s stall.
White Lies and Other Half Truths Page 9