Goodly Creatures: A Pride and Prejudice Deviation

by Massey, Beth

  Jane said with an uncharacteristically rapturous expression, “How delightfully risqué!”

  “I think Darcy came up with the idea because he hopes to persuade your sister to dance the waltz with him. I have never seen him as taken with any woman before. He tries to hide his feelings behind his mask, but it is quite obvious to anyone who knows him well and is paying attention. I know my sister Caroline has noticed.”

  Jane looked thoughtful at Mr Bingley’s supposition. “I don’t think your sister has anything to fear, and unfortunately, I doubt he will be successful. Lizzy is resolute in her refusal to dance with men. She says it is because she does not intend to marry and therefore feels it pointless. My observations lead me to believe a different truth. It appears, she is apprehensive of being touched. I think she harbours some great fear, but I have never been able to persuade her to confide in me.”

  “One thing that is very odd about Darcy’s attraction to your sister is that she bears a striking resemblance to his daughter. Their hair and eyes are similar, but what is even more noticeable to me is that when Miss Elizabeth engages in conversation, she has a similar impertinence to Bethany.”

  “Did you ever meet Mrs Darcy?”

  “No, she was already deceased when I made his acquaintance.” Mr Bingley laughed at the memory of their meeting. “In fact that is how we met. Bethany came up to me in a park and told me her mother was dead. She thought I was an angel and might know her.”

  Jane chuckled. “Now that sounds more like my sister, Lydia. She was always approaching strangers as a child, and even though we continue to caution her, she still does. I think that forwardness is imprinted in her character. Do you think, perhaps, Lizzy looks like his wife?”

  “No, I saw a portrait of Mrs Darcy at Pemberley and there is not much in common. However, there is a painting of a young girl reading in his study that looks remarkably like your sister.”

  Jane looked thoughtful at his revelation. She would have to probe Lizzy for any information of a prior acquaintance with Mr Darcy. She returned her gaze to Mr Bingley and said, “I feel we are intruding on their privacy. In fairness, we should not talk about them without knowing what truly exists between the two, and they should be the ones to tell us.”

  “I agree. Darcy has been the most reliable friend to me for several years. I need his help with things I plan to accomplish in my life. My sisters think I should just be a man of fashion without responsibilities. They would prefer me to have an estate for the status, not because I should endeavour to make something of it, but I do not want to go through the world being thought of as capricious.’’

  Mr Bingley’s confession captured Jane’s attention. For the first time in their acquaintance, he reminded her of Tom, and she felt a shiver of pleasure.

  The two spent the entire morning talking of their lives, hopes and dreams. He was in awe when he learned that in Sir Walter’s absence, it was she who visited the tenants at Netherfield She explained to him that the steward, Mr Richards, settled all the disputes, but she first listened to their concerns. “For nearly ten years, I have been making calls on them and know all the names and ages of their children. I would be pleased to introduce you if you would like.”

  This began to explain the way the staff at Netherfield treated her. Mr Bingley had noticed a respect and reverence that was unusual for someone not of the house.

  They made an engagement to ride together the next morning.

  The two new recruits who had acquired commissions in Colonel Forster’s militia unit had returned from town with Captain Carter, and promptly settled into their new quarters. Mr Denny and Mr Sanderson were now acquainting Mr Wickham and Mr Travis with the camp. Very soon, the conversation settled on diversions to be had in the neighbourhood, and an appeal from the two for descriptions of the young unmarried women. It was determined that the amusements were of the standard variety, and they were told of several young ladies who were quite lovely. Both men were warned to be aware that one female who was both pretty and young was the colonel’s sister-in-law. Mr Denny then told them that her name was Maria Lucas, and she visited the camp often with her best friend. The friend was one of five sisters who were considered the most beautiful young women in the county. Two of the sisters had recently been spoken for, but that left three, and in Sanderson’s opinion, it was the three fairest who remained.

  Mr Wickham expressed an interest in the Bennet sisters, and his ears pricked up when he heard one described as an heiress. Neither Mr Denny nor Mr Sanderson knew the exact amount, but they did divulge that gossip had it that Miss Elizabeth Bennet had declared she had no plans to marry. They also repeated the oft-told story that the money she inherited could have involved remuneration from a man. Another rumour, which was unsubstantiated by any firm evidence, was that Miss Elizabeth had established dowries for her sisters. The other heiress in the neighbourhood was a Miss King. Unlike her counterpart, it was known for a fact she had inherited ten thousand pounds. She was not a great beauty, but tolerable if you could abide freckles.

  Mr Wickham was determined to meet these two heiresses and put his substantial charm in play. Miss Elizabeth’s determination never to marry was a challenge he might enjoy.

  Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley were late coming down for breakfast, and found themselves alone. The only person in the house whose location they knew for sure was Mr Hurst. He had over indulged in both food and drink the night before, and was still in bed.”

  Louisa, we must develop a strategy to dissuade Charles from thinking Miss Bennet a proper match, and we must persuade Mr Darcy to aid us with our plan. He has been entirely too attentive to Miss Eliza, and even though I do not believe it to be a serious attraction, I want to ensure neither Charles nor Mr Darcy ever returns to Hertfordshire.”

  “I agree, Caroline, Mr Darcy is the one who can convince Charles to give up his intentions of purchasing Netherfield. We should encourage him to look for estates in the north.”

  “I noticed that the staff here at Netherfield treats Miss Bennet with a familiarity that is unusual,” said Miss Bingley with a conspiratorial look toward her sister. “Polly has been making inquiries for me. She has learned that Jane Bennet was attached to the son of Sir Walter Trent since practically infancy. The whole neighbourhood assumed they would marry, and she would become the mistress of Netherfield. Of course, as you know, he died at fifteen.”

  Miss Bingley sipped her tea as she plotted. “Yes, and I found out one other bit of information that helps our case. Do you remember, Mrs Bennet talked about an heir to a baronetcy who jilted Miss Bennet? That was Sir Walter’s nephew, George Trent. I met him in London several years ago. He is quite good-looking, and well connected, but not very wealthy. I think Mrs Bennet believed he would inherit the estate as well as the title.” Caroline rubbed her hands together as she drew her conclusion. “What becomes obvious is her mother is determined she become mistress here, and it seems she pushed her daughter to try to win Mr Trent’s affections. However, he was in desperate need of money, so he married a young woman with plenty.”

  “So, am I correct, you are proposing to promote the idea with Charles that she is indifferent to him and only wants this estate?”

  “Yes, precisely. In addition, Mr Darcy and Miss Eliza have some prior acquaintance, and it is annoying that he is paying such a great deal of attention toward her. However, I do not believe his feelings are entirely amicable. They seem to enjoy witty repartee and teasing each other—but there also seems to be animosity between the two on occasion. According to Polly, the gossip about her has not changed at all in five years.” Miss Bingley shuddered at her next words. “Five years ago, he was married and she would have been sixteen.”

  “Caroline, do not worry about that impertinent country upstart who has announced to the world she refuses to marry. Our mission is as you stated—to ensure Charles leaves Hertfordshire and never comes back. If he never returns, neither will Mr Darcy. We need to be prepared at every turn to persuade Charles
that his “angel” is not so heavenly in her motives, and more importantly, intervene if he tries to communicate with her in the future.”

  On the other side of the path leading to the militia camp, Lydia Bennet and Maria Lucas saw Captain Carter talking with a young man whom neither had ever seen before. He had a most gentlemanlike appearance, and they were both struck by his air and manner of carrying himself. They whispered to each other about who he could be, and determined to find out. The pretence of telling Captain Carter of the ball that was to be held at Netherfield, was their reason for crossing. Captain Carter addressed them directly, and entreated permission to introduce his friend, Mr Wickham.

  The two young women looked approvingly at the new recruit. Lydia felt he only wanted regimentals to make him completely charming. He had a fine countenance, a good figure, and a very pleasing address. In addition, he was tall and exhibited a happy readiness for conversation.

  His smile seemed to indicate an unassuming pleasantness when he said, “Miss Lucas, Miss Bennet, I am honoured to make your acquaintance. Do you visit the camp often?”

  “Mr Wickham, my sister is the wife of your colonel. My friend and I visit her several times a week.”

  “Miss Bennet, I understand you are one of five beautiful sisters. Do they often visit the camp?”

  “My sister Elizabeth does quite often. She is a close friend of Mrs Forster, and she is godmother to one of her children.” Lydia noticed a very slight smile of satisfaction at the information about her sister. Over the past few years, she had become adept at discerning those new acquaintances that appeared eager to learn more about Lizzy. She was not sure whether his smile indicated such a hunger for knowledge about the mysterious heiress, or whether he was just anxious to meet another Bennet beauty.

  Captain Carter asked, “Miss Lydia, pray tell us about the ball at Netherfield. When is it?”

  Lydia’s face lit up with excitement, and her words came tumbling out. “My sister, Jane, sent a note to me just before I left. She and Mr Bingley decided on November 26, last evening. They were both concerned I would be offended that they decided the date without me. You see, Mr Bingley had promised me I could have that honour as soon as my sister Jane was well. He made that promise when I went with my mother to visit my sister who has been staying at Netherfield recuperating from a cold. However, as it turns out, he needs to leave for London on the 27th,, and Mr Darcy needs to leave for Pemberley that same day, so he and my sister chose the 26th.” Lydia finally drew a breath and looked at Maria, and they both giggled. Lydia continued with her explanation, “They were quite sweet, and worried that I would feel hurt that I did not get to choose the date. I just hope it is magnificent. This will be my first fancy ball, and I am quite beside myself with excitement. Mr Bingley’s sister will make the arrangements. She is very elegant, and I am certain the other members of the party, Mr and Mrs Hurst and Mr Darcy will lend their expertise of balls in London to make this a most delightful affair. I hope we have ices.”

  Lydia was too involved in telling her glorious news to notice that Mr Wickham had stiffened at the mention of Mr Darcy. He said quite nonchalantly, “Mr Darcy of Pemberley is staying in this neighbourhood?”

  “Oh yes, he has been here almost a month. I first thought him very proud and disagreeable, but I observed him recently at Netherfield, and he seemed more at ease. He also appeared just a little taken with my sister Elizabeth.” Lydia giggled again at the thought. “You remember, Captain Carter, he had insulted her, sight unseen, at the assembly, and now he does not seem to be able to take his eyes off her.”

  Maria wanted her part in talking to this handsome recruit, so she said, “Mr Darcy is cousin to one of my Brother Forster’s best friends. Colonel Fitzwilliam is nothing like his cousin. He is quite humorous and most lively. Do you know Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mr Wickham?”

  Lydia observed a momentary look of concern ont the new recruit’s face at the mention of Colonel Fitzwilliam.

  Wickham’s face was back to his pleasant demeanour when he replied, “Yes I grew up with Mr Darcy at Pemberley. I have known Colonel Fitzwilliam since we were boys and have remained a very close friend of his brother, the Viscount Wolfbridge.”

  Lydia, who appeared silly to many new acquaintances, was actually quite astute at judging characters. She had listened carefully over the years to her older sisters. Several times during their seemingly inane conversation, Mr Wickham turned the conversation back to Elizabeth. She believed she had uncovered a fortune hunter, and could not wait to tell her sister.

  In parting, Lydia told Mr Wickham that some of the officers were to dine with her Aunt and Uncle Philips the next day. She smiled disarmingly and told him she would have her uncle call on him to extend an invitation. “My aunt will have a nice comfortable game of lottery tickets, and a bit of hot supper afterwards.”

  Lydia Bennet embraced Jane and Elizabeth when she returned from visiting Charlotte. Longbourn had been unpleasant without them. Mrs Bennet was much more “nervous” without Jane about. Her oldest sister knew best how to calm her mother. Her sister, Mrs Philips, had also caught a cold, and Mrs Bennet had been denied her daily dose of Meryton gossip while her sister had been under the weather.

  Mary and Mr Bennet had shut themselves up in his study every day, and every morning, Kitty insisted she had to go to the brickworks to paint tiles.

  Lydia had been left alone with her mother for much of her sisters’ absence. Each day her mother had prattled on about how she was sure Jane was close to an understanding with Mr Bingley. Her mother could not conceal her pleasure at the prospect of increased status in the neighbourhood once an engagement transpired. The youngest Bennet daughter hoped her mother was right, and Mr Bingley was falling in love with Jane.

  That morning, Lydia had been free to go to the militia camp with Maria because finally her aunt Philips was much improved. Mrs Bennet was anxious for her sister to visit so she could tell her of Jane’s expectations. Lydia had felt the need to flee the house despite her sisters’ imminent return home. Lizzy would forgive her not being at Longbourn upon their arrival—as soon as she told her about her new acquaintance. Her sister would laugh when she learned he knew Mr Darcy, his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam and the Colonel’s brother the Viscount… La de dah!

  34 BY THE PRICKING OF HER THUMBS

  Elizabeth had always found the officers of the militia in general a very creditable, gentlemanlike set, and the best of them were present at her aunt and uncle’s house the next evening. Her first impression of Mr Wickham was that he appeared far beyond them all in person, countenance, air, and walk.

  Every female’s eyes sought him out when he first arrived, but Elizabeth was the woman by whom he seated himself. She was both bemused and wary of the agreeable manner in which he immediately fell into conversation with her. His subjects were nothing profound, but his approach to the probability of a cold winter was reminiscent of the skill Lord Wolfbridge had displayed for similar mundane topics. The comparison caused her apprehension to grow, but her determination to find out what he was about increased as well. After a while, she felt it prudent to not be seen as too eager to monopolize his attention and left to spend time with Charlotte and Colonel Forster.

  When the company divided itself for games, he was received with studied delight between Elizabeth and Lydia at a table not engaged in any particular diversion. Lizzy and Lydia had devised a plan for just such a possibility. The youngest Bennet daughter would engross him first, for she was already known by him to be a most determined talker. With this ploy, Elizabeth would appear nonchalant to the man who claimed to be a friend of the inhabitant of her nightmares. Lydia would then leave, declaring a fondness for lottery tickets, and move to the next table.

  Her youngest sister did not know everything of Lizzy’s need to understand Mr Wickham’s motives. She only knew her sister agreed with her that he could be a fortune hunter, but she wondered if there was something more. When Lydia had been describing her meet
ing with the militia’s newest recruits, Elizabeth’s sudden paleness at Lord Wolfbridge’s name had piqued her curiosity.

  After Lydia’s departure, Lizzy prepared to hear Mr Wickham. She began the conversation knowing she dare not be the first to mention Mr Darcy or his cousins for fear of exposing her mission. Luckily, her curiosity was soon relieved. Mr Wickham began the subject himself. He inquired how far Netherfield was from Meryton; and after receiving her answer, asked with some hesitancy how long Mr Darcy had been staying there.

  “Just over three weeks,” said Elizabeth; and then, unwilling to let the subject drop, added, “He is a man of very large property in Derbyshire, I understand.”

  “Yes,” replied Wickham, “his estate there is a noble one… a clear ten thousand per annum. You could not have met with a person more capable of giving you certain information about that man than myself, for I have been connected with his family from my infancy. My father was the steward for the estate.”

  Wickham’s eyes revealed a hint of his own mission. “Are you much acquainted with Mr Darcy?”

  Elizabeth decided to play to what she perceived was his prejudice. “As much as I ever wish to be. I have spent four days in the same house with him, and I found him often disagreeable.”

  “I have no right to give my opinion,” said Wickham, “as to his being agreeable or otherwise. It is impossible for me to be impartial based on how long and how well I have known him. I believe your opinion of him would in general astonish most of his acquaintances.”

  Elizabeth feared she had gone too far. She did not think it appropriate that she extend an unfavourable opinion of Mr Darcy, but she desperately needed to know what this man knew. She said with a look of feigned mortification, “Upon my word, I have offended you. I did not realize you remained close to the gentleman.”