by Lauren King
“I had to negotiate with him. After some time, he agreed to marry Lydia if her total yearly income was 130 pounds with nothing up front. Unbelievable! I am being extorted for money because of Lydia’s foolishness; this is the consequence. She does not know or comprehend the difficulties of being married to a soldier of lower ranking, yet that is who she will marry. I dearly hope that she has matured and even though there is no longer a baby involved, she will make something out of her life so this marriage is not in shambles. I never thought that I would have to coerce some young man to marry one of my daughters, but then again, I never thought of this scenario occurring to any of my daughters.” Mr. Bennet shakes his head with incredulity and grief.
Darcy, Elizabeth, Jane, and Mrs. Gardiner listen in stunned silence. Elizabeth thinks of the degradation of having to force a man to marry Lydia in this manner. However, there is nothing else to be done to resolve Lydia’s dreadful problem. Elizabeth feels bad for her Father because she does not know where he will get the extra money in order to pay Sergeant Denny. She will ask him about her own marriage settlement with William to see if she can help him by using her yearly income from her dowry.
“I am sorry you have to hear all of this and be a part this, Mr. Darcy.” Mr. Bennet states straightforwardly.
“Mr. Bennet, please do not be uneasy about me, sir.” Darcy replies forthrightly as he contemplates about this sergeant. This sergeant is another conniving man willing to forsake his responsibilities and extort money from innocent people. This sergeant will pay for his dissolute ways.
There is silence for another few seconds before Elizabeth asks candidly, “Papa, did you tell Sergeant Denny about Lydia losing the baby?”
“No, I received your Mother’s letter the morning after I spoke to him, and once I found out what happened, I had to prepare to leave for Blyth. I had to get your Aunt Phillips to stay at Longbourn with Mary and Kitty while I was gone, and I had to take care of a few other tenant related issues before I could leave this morning. What a mess.” Mr. Bennet sighs deeply yet again.
Hesitantly, Jane optimistically says, “Well, at least, they will be married soon and since there will not be a baby involved then there will be much less shame for Lydia. I know that sounds horrible to say but, minimally, her reputation will be intact.”
“Papa, even though there is no longer a baby involved, do you not think that Sergeant Denny and Lydia should still be married as soon as possible?” Elizabeth asks eagerly; they must be made to marry immediately so this sergeant cannot ruin the Bennets’ reputation.
“Yes, I do, especially now that he knows of the baby. With her being married then she will be obliged to mature faster and settle down. They must marry immediately; otherwise, he could still turn around and threaten to spread gossip about Lydia in exchange for more money and ruin all of you girls’ reputations, too.”
Mrs. Gardiner lets everyone know that she will get a light luncheon ready for everybody in the dining room. Jane offers to go with her. Darcy takes this opportunity to speak openly to Mr. Bennet. He does not want to be so direct in front of all the ladies because it could be awkward for them to hear another gentleman talk about such a private subject in regards to their own family member. However, he is fine with Elizabeth present because she understands him and his intentions to help.
“Mr. Bennet, may I be frank with you, sir?”
“Certainly, Mr. Darcy; I would have you no other way. Please, speak your mind.” Mr. Bennet is glad to hear of additional suggestions on how to handle this situation.
“I think it sounds like this sergeant is determined to make some money off of this unfortunate problem. If he expects more than Miss Lydia’s dowry, then threatening him is the only other route to solve this problem quickly.”
“What do suggest, Mr. Darcy? Please, just be completely honest with me.”
“What I want to suggest first is that you can threaten him with my cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam as being your family. You can say that Richard could make this sergeant’s military life impossible if he decides to spread any gossip about Miss Lydia or expects more money before he marries her. Furthermore, you could assure him that his entire family and his entire parish will know about his evil conduct regarding a fifteen years old girl that he has lured into sin and discarded.”
Darcy continues, “Another thing to think about is if he ever accidentally speaks of Miss Lydia’s situation. What if one day he is drunk with other soldiers or people around and he chatters away. What then? The secret will still be out and it could still lead back to your family – unless he is transferred into another regiment far away from your family. The distance from Hertfordshire and the unknown people around them could help limit the damaging gossip. I am certain that Richard could help in getting him moved to a different regiment. What do you think, sir?”
“I think all your suggestions are good, and I will have to resort to extorting him too.” Mr. Bennet states with great disappointment in himself, his wife, and his youngest daughter. “When we first found out about this whole situation, Lydia seemed to be optimistic and convinced about them getting married which means she may truly like him. That would be a positive outcome to this entire ordeal. I can only hope for that at this point.”
Elizabeth listens intently; she agrees with William’s suggestions. “Yes, it would be Papa.” Elizabeth sighs deeply before saying, “I think it is inevitable that we all will have to endure some damage to our reputation due to her…foolishness.” Elizabeth wants to use harsher words, but what good would it do now. She is tremendously angry at Lydia to the point of not wanting to associate with her in the future for some time. Hopefully, time will fix some of this mess that Lydia has created for her family. They all will have to suffer one way or another for it.
Before having luncheon, Darcy invites Mr. Bennet and Jane to have Christmas Eve dinner with him and his Uncle’s family, since he is in town, so that they all could meet at least once before he and Elizabeth wed. Darcy has already given Mrs. Gardiner the invitation to dinner at Darcy House on the 26th; hence, the Gardiners should not feel left out about meeting his Uncle’s family. Mr. Bennet coming to Christmas Eve dinner is unexpected but most welcomed since he will not be able to attend the 26th. Mrs. Gardiner completely understands about the dinner invitation and does not feel slighted. Mr. Bennet and Jane agree to join in on the Christmas Eve dinner at Matlock House. Mr. Bennet understands that William’s Uncle’s family wants to assess Elizabeth’s family. Mr. Bennet wants to assess them, too.
After luncheon Darcy departs for Matlock House to inform his Aunt of the three additional guests. Elizabeth and Jane, enthusiastically, go prepare their gowns to be worn tonight. Elizabeth decides to wear the yellow gown that she wore to the Allston’s ball in October. It should be fancy enough for a formal Christmas dinner. Luckily, Jane brought along her best gowns that she only wears on special occasions; that should be sufficient for tonight’s dinner because she wants to save her New Year’s gown for any balls that they may attend.
Elizabeth and Jane finally have time to talk about the two gentlemen that have asked to call upon Jane on the 26th – Mr. Morgan and Mr. James. Elizabeth teases Jane mercilessly, but then they both remember about their current situation with Lydia.
“Lizzy, I am still in the same situation as I was with Mr. Bingley. Even though there is no longer a baby involved, a scandal could still erupt if Sergeant Denny chooses to spread the information. Now, we are at his mercy. My goodness, the enormity of Lydia’s imprudence still affects us all, no matter what we do.”
“Well, let us hope that there will be no impediments for them to get married now. If they are married, then there is next to nil for us to agonize about. I know it is not ideal, but the foolishness has been committed already, and there is nothing that can be done to reverse any of it. You did not commit this offense; for that reason, you can still hold your head up high. That is all you can do at this point and hope that the gentleman that is truly interested i
n you will accept it for what it is. He will be getting a wonderful lady for his future if he sets aside the stupidity of a very young, extremely foolish sister-in-law.”
“Thank you, Lizzy. You have always been strong and reasonable but also kind and understanding. William is very lucky to have you as a wife. I am exceedingly happy for you.”
“Thank you, Jane. I am extraordinarily happy, too. However, I am sorry about Mr. Bingley. I am sorry that he has such a head-strong younger sister under his care. I honestly think that without Miss Bingley involved then Mr. Bingley would not have a second thought about pursuing you even under our dire circumstances.”
“I do not blame him; I understand his position. You are correct that we did not commit any offense; accordingly, we should be able to continue our lives with dignity. Anyone that does not understand this would have a difficult time understanding me which means we would not be compatible anyways.” Jane says calmly and logically.
“That is right. You cannot continue to fear that someone will find out about Lydia’s mistake. You just need to continue to be the best person that you are and everyone will forget about other situations involving your family. Any gentleman would be lucky to have you for a wife.” Both sisters hug each other in comfort and support.
Elizabeth seeks out her Father because she remembers that she wants to speak to him regarding her marriage settlement to William; she wants to help her father support Lydia and Sergeant Denny.
“Papa, can I speak to you about something?” Elizabeth asks casually.
“Certainly, my child; what is it? You look rather serious.”
“I wanted to ask you about my marriage settlement with William.”
“What do you want to know about it, Lizzy?”
“I have heard in the past that our dowries are 1,000 pounds each, sir?”
“Yes, that is correct. I am sorry that it is not more, Lizzy.” Mr. Bennet is embarrassed to admit his deficiency with his daughters’ futures.
“Papa, I want to know what William has stipulated in our marriage settlement regarding my dowry.”
“His settlement to you is exceptionally generous, Lizzy. I was completely staggered at what he bestowed upon you. He has bestowed upon you 50,000 pounds! Furthermore, when you need to, you can choose to remain at the main Pemberley house or stay at the dowager house. Monthly pin money is separate from your clothing and miscellaneous items allowance. He states that he does not need your dowry; therefore, you can keep it for yourself or for your children. His estate is not entailed away from the female line; consequently, there is no fear of you and his children being displaced without a home. Nothing will be held against you if you cannot give him an heir. I am most happy about that. My Lord, that is all remarkably generous!” Mr. Bennet explains in amazement and with great comfort for his daughter.
“From what I have observed of Mr. Darcy, he truly loves you; this settlement proves that he cares for your welfare, thoroughly and deeply. Loving you truly and not neglecting you in any way are the two most important things that I want for you, Lizzy. You will find that those things are most precious in a marriage; everything else will fall into place. However, I am pragmatic, thus I recognize that money is a very important factor in a marriage, but I would rather you have less wealth but immense love and devotion from your husband than immense wealth and no love. Life without love is harsh, and it makes one’s life…depressing.” Mr. Bennet says candidly. He surely knows the effect of a forced or an unloved marriage; he faces it daily – unfortunately.
Elizabeth gets the feeling that her Father is speaking of his own marriage, but she does not want to mention it to dispirit him further. “I am…astounded, Papa. I have never imagined how wealthy William is. That amount is inconceivable.” Elizabeth breathes in deeply before continuing. “The reason I want to know about my marriage settlement is that I want to help you pay Sergeant Denny by using a part of my dowry. From my calculations, you will need approximately 90 pounds more a year to pay Sergeant Denny to marry Lydia. I know this will be another huge burden on you, so I want you to know that you can use my dowry to pay him yearly.” Elizabeth sees her Father shaking his head negatively immediately and vehemently.
“Oh Lizzy, my dear child; I could not have a better child than you.” Mr. Bennet does not usually get misty so easily, but he is truly touched by Elizabeth’s generosity and thoughtfulness. His second daughter amazes him at every turn, and he feels most fortunate to have her as his child. He would not trade her for anyone. Even though it is not Elizabeth’s duty to help her family after she is married, it is exactly what she is trying to do, albeit she is his daughter. Mr. Bennet thanks God that he was blessed with such a genuinely good daughter.
Elizabeth can tell that her Father is affected by her offering. He is speechless after one sentence; this is not seen often. She wants to dispel any awkwardness; hence, she says, “I just thought of an idea, Papa. Now that there will not be a baby for them to support then you can renegotiate with Sergeant Denny and make Lydia’s yearly income be 70 or 80 pounds per year. I think that is rather enticing for someone in their position, especially when they do not have to do anything to earn that money. They will not have the hardship of supporting a baby. If he still doesn’t accept, then maybe you can offer him a one-time payment of 200 pounds up front – that would be enticing, surely. If he still does not accept, then maybe you will have to do what William suggested to combat such a man. What do you think, Papa?”
Yes, he is blessed to have such a good daughter. “First of all, I do not want to use your dowry to solve Lydia’s problem. Though it is a meager amount, it is all yours; you should not have to suffer because of your sister’s folly. I will figure things out. I appreciate your offer, though, Lizzy; you are the best daughter a father could have.” Mr. Bennet breathes in deeply before continuing while Elizabeth sits quietly. “You do have a good idea about renegotiating with Sergeant Denny. Your numbers sound reasonable. I will renegotiate with him.” Mr. Bennet states agreeably.
“Papa, I really want to help you. I know the state of Longbourn’s financials; it is not bad, but you can do with some extra savings for yourself and Mama. Furthermore, William does not need my dowry, at all. I think we will have ample funds for our children without my dowry.”
“Mr. Darcy is getting the best wife out there.” Mr. Bennet comes to hold Elizabeth’s hand tenderly. “Lizzy, I know you truly want to help, and I am most thankful for your kindness towards your family, but let me figure things out first, all right, my child? You do not know how much I appreciate your offer.” Mr. Bennet kisses her forehead lovingly. “Now, go make sure that your gown is as pretty as possible for your betrothed tonight.”
“All right, Papa.” Elizabeth says nicely as she walks back to her bedroom chambers.
Elizabeth is fully dressed and made up; she observes herself in the full length looking glass one last time. She has her engagement jewelry on; her dress and hair look exactly the way she wants. She and Jane both walk into the drawing room to greet William. As usual, William is the epitome of a handsome, sophisticated gentleman. They look at each other fondly as they curtsy and bow to each other, and then William reaches out for Elizabeth’s hand to kiss chastely.
Darcy is talking to Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner when Elizabeth and Jane walk into the drawing room. Darcy cannot deny that Jane is pretty, but Elizabeth is beautiful – in an alluring manner. Goodness gracious, he is so happy to be betrothed to Elizabeth. She will be his wife in five weeks; he is impatient for a most joyous future with her.
At exactly seven o’clock, Darcy escorts Elizabeth inside Matlock House, and Mr. Bennet escorts Jane. They are cheerily greeted by Richard, and then Darcy makes all the formal introductions. Tonight there are two of Aunt Helen’s brothers and their family joining them. Lord and Lady Matlock, Andrew, Viscount Somerset (Richard’s older brother), Richard, Georgiana, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ellington – Lady Matlock’s older brother and his wife with their four adult children – Mr. Nathani
el Ellington, Mr. Edward Ellington, Mr. Francis Ellington, and Miss Anna Ellington. There is Mr. and Mrs. Mark Ellington who is Lady Matlock’s younger brother and his wife with their three adult children – Miss Sophia Ellington, Mr. Nicolas Ellington, and Mr. Louis Ellington. Lastly, there is Miss Sarah Davenport who is Andrew’s betrothed.
Darcy notices that his Aunt Catherine De Bourgh and his cousin Anne are not present but is not surprised because they usually do not travel to town during the winter due to Anne’s poor health in the winter. After all the introductions are made, everyone is guided into the larger dining room. Darcy is seated across from Elizabeth who is seated in between Richard and Mr. Nathaniel Ellington. On either side of Darcy are Miss Sophia Ellington and Mr. Francis Ellington. Jane and Mr. Bennet are down the other end of the table with Lord Matlock.
Darcy sees how well Richard and Elizabeth get along. Anyone observing could mistake them as a romantic couple; they do look fitting of each other, too. Elizabeth is naturally vivacious, so everyone is drawn into her sparkling personality. Furthermore, she is intelligent and speaks well. Mr. Nathaniel Ellington talks to Elizabeth every time Richard is not conversing with her. Elizabeth courteously converses with Mr. Nathaniel Ellington but is not overly friendly. She looks over at Darcy every so often and gives him a shy, fond smile each time. This makes him feel such affection for her.
“Miss Elizabeth, have you and Darcy set a wedding date yet?” Lady Matlock asks cordially.
“Yes, we have, Lady Matlock. We are both agreeable to Saturday, January 31st.” Elizabeth answers genially and then smiles warmly at William.
