by Zoë Burton
“I do. Lizzy is very intelligent. Sometimes too much so, I think. She always finds something to say and never lets anyone intimidate her. She does not tolerate fools well. She is very pretty but does not let it go to her head. She is kind to everyone, even those she dislikes. She is my favorite sister, to tell the truth.”
Georgiana was intrigued with the idea of becoming Mary’s sister through Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Based upon Mary’s description, Miss Elizabeth was someone who could easily stand up to Fitzwilliam when necessary and not be cowed by his moods. “And she is in Hertfordshire?”
“Yes, she remained at Longbourn with the rest of my family.”
“Would she come if you asked her to?”
Mary shrugged. “She might, I do not know. I could not tell her that I want her to meet a gentleman; she would immediately dismiss the notion and stay at home. But, I could not lie, either.”
“True.” Georgiana was disappointed for a brief moment, until another idea popped into her head. “What if…what if you told her you wanted her to meet me?”
Mary’s face brightened. “I could do that! It would not be a falsehood, for I do very much want my favorite sister to meet my new friend!”
“And if that friend’s brother just happened to be home when your sister met me…”
“Exactly! Excellent idea! Will you help me write the letter? I could do it right now, and post it when I get back to Arthur Place.”
“I will help you write it! Come, let us sit here by the window. The writing desk is already set up there.”
The girls sat down together to compose the letter to Elizabeth. Once written, Mary put it in her reticule to post from her godmother’s house. She and Miss Darcy eagerly discussed the future, and what they expected to happen once Elizabeth met Fitzwilliam.
As soon as Mary got back to Arthur Place, she put her letter on the salver in the entry with the rest of the outgoing post.
“Are you writing home, Mary?”
Her aunt’s voice startled her. She had not expected anyone to be down at this time of day. “Yes, ma’am. I have written to Lizzy, asking her to come to town. I- I did not think you would mind.”
“Of course not, my dear! It is to be expected that you might wish to see a sister or two after being away from them for so long.”
“I do, but…I admit that I have an ulterior motive.”
Lady Watts’ brows rose. “You do? Will you share it with me?”
Looking around to make sure no one was near to overhear, she edged closer to her godmother. “I believe that Lizzy and Mr. Darcy would suit each other very well. I wish for them to meet. I did not tell Lizzy this, of course, because that would be the surest way to turn her off him before they ever met, so I simply told her that I should like her to meet Miss Darcy.”
Lady Watts nodded, tapping her finger on her lip. “You know, I think you might be right about that. Tell you what, grab that letter back off the pile, and come with me. I will write your father and add my desires for your sister to attend you. I will not mention Mr. Darcy to him, for you know he would take great amusement in telling your sister and that would ruin everything. I will have my husband’s courier deliver the letters in the morning. How does that sound to you?”
“Oh, Aunt, that would be lovely! Thank you for your help.”
Together, Mary and her godmother composed a note to Mr. Bennet. Handing the missives off to the courier with instructions to deliver them as early as possible tomorrow, they retired to dress for dinner. Happy to have her letter sent on its way, Mary anxiously awaited word. To her relief, a response arrived from Longbourn the very next evening.
Longbourn
“Elizabeth,” her father called as she walked past the door to his book room. “Come here, my child, and have a seat.”
Elizabeth Bennet, Lizzy to her family and Eliza to her closest friend, entered the room, seating herself in her favorite chair beside her father’s desk.
“Good afternoon, Papa,” she greeted with a smile. “Is something wrong? You do not often invite us into your sanctuary at this time of day.”
Mr. Bennet chuckled. This room was, indeed, his place of refuge from an excitable wife and five daughters, and it was rare that any were invited in. Except for Lizzy, of course; she was his favorite and was welcomed more often than the rest.
Elizabeth was twenty years old. She lived with her family, consisting of her parents and four sisters, on the family’s estate, which was called Longbourn. The eldest of the girls, Jane, was two and twenty. Next came Elizabeth, and following her was Mary, who was nineteen, Kitty, who was seventeen, and Lydia, who was fifteen.
Longbourn had been in the Bennet family for hundreds of years. It was small but well maintained, with an income of about two thousand pounds per annum. This revenue was enough to meet expenses and allow the family to live a very good life, as befit their status. The girls had access to whatever masters they desired to further their education, Mr. Bennet had all the port and books he wished for, and Mrs. Bennet was able to clothe her daughters well and entertain to her heart’s content. There was, however, nothing left over to add to either savings or dowries for Elizabeth and her sisters. The young ladies would all receive equal shares of Mrs. Bennet’s dowry, and that only after their parents had passed.
All the Bennets enjoyed living on the estate, for theirs was an elegant home filled with love and laughter, and the fussing and fighting that came along with six women all residing together. It was, however, entailed upon the male line and none of the Bennet ladies would inherit. The heir presumptive, a distant cousin to Mr. Bennet named William Collins, was unknown to them. Mr. Bennet had been connected to the man’s father when he was a child, before the two branches of the family had a falling out and severed acquaintance with each other. Without knowledge of the kind of person this heir was, there was no guarantee that he would allow Mrs. Bennet and her daughters to remain on the estate after Mr. Bennet’s passing.
Such uncertainty was the Mistress’ undoing. Mrs. Bennet was left, after birthing five daughters and no sons, with what she delicately called “a nervous condition” that left her with flutterings and spasms all over her person when situations became too much for her. Usually, this meant that she had not gotten her way in some manner or another.
Mr. Bennet himself generally took to his book room when his wife had a spell. He had perfected the art of announcing whatever news he was duty bound to share with them and then vanishing immediately, leaving his daughters to deal with their mother.
Thomas Bennet did not limit his avoidance to his wife’s fits of nerves, however. Sitting in his book room reading his newest tome was his preferred occupation. He was not fond of society in general, though he did gain much amusement from observing his neighbors at the various dinners, assemblies, and private balls held in the area. Nor was he particularly keen on being out amongst his tenants. He had a steward to do the actual work of running the estate, and beyond providing funds and resolving the occasional dispute amongst his renters, he had little to do with it. Likewise, he left the raising of his five children to his wife. He preferred his own company to that of anyone or anything else. If he must exert himself, he would prefer to do it spending time with Elizabeth.
While all of his daughters had access to his library and all the masters they desired to teach them, only Elizabeth made full use of his books. Jane had restricted herself to poetry and the occasional novel, Mary to sermons, and the youngest two preferred any activity to reading. His second eldest, however, had read every book he owned. She was a quick study, easily grasping the most complicated matters. She had also inherited his quick wit and tendency to sarcasm. The two had spent many a cold winter’s evening in debate over some topic or other, and more and more often did Elizabeth prove her opinion to be the soundest.
His wife, of course, did not appreciate his encouragement of her least understood daughter in the matter of improving her mind. Elizabeth, with her preference for books and solitary walks
about the countryside, baffled Mrs. Bennet, and she was certain no gentleman would ever have her for a wife. All of her husband’s explanations that some men preferred an intelligent spouse went over her head. She had not caught a husband with her mind, but with her beauty and lively personality, and she could not fathom anything else. Furthermore, she did not know who would maintain the girl when her father was gone, for Mrs. Bennet herself would not have the funds.
Elizabeth had learned to ignore her mother’s frequent lectures, for the most part. It bothered her, of course, to be berated so often for something so innocuous, but she could not bring herself to be disrespectful by talking back. She did love her Mama, despite Mrs. Bennet’s inability to control her speech or regulate her voice in public, traits which often embarrassed her daughters.
To be honest, as much as Elizabeth appreciated her father’s interest in her and his willingness to help her education along, and as much as she loved him in return, she found herself frequently wishing he would act to control his family. Her youngest sister was wild and untamed, and Kitty followed wherever Lydia led with no thought to her own reputation. Mary, in an effort to distinguish herself, poured her efforts into the pianoforte and making extracts of sermons. She gave the impression that she was a self-righteous prig when, in fact, she was simply an uncertain young lady trying to appear intelligent. Her father, should he take the time and effort to do so, could, with just a few words, improve Mary’s outlook enough to possibly change her behavior, yet he failed to do so. It would take a more concerted effort to alter the manners of Kitty and Lydia, but with diligence, it could be accomplished. She knew, however, that Mr. Bennet would not be moved from his book room and since she was not formed for unhappiness, Elizabeth did what she could to influence those around her, pasted a smile on her face, and walked out whenever she found opportunity. It was from one of these daily strolls that she was returning when she was beckoned to join her father.
“No, nothing is the matter. Not yet, at any rate, but your mother has not come down from her rooms.” Mr. Bennet chuckled at his own jest, while Elizabeth smiled and shook her head.
“Papa.”
Returning Elizabeth’s smile, Mr. Bennet began his explanation for summoning her. “Have you received your post today?”
“No, I have not, not as of yet.” It was unusual for her father to inquire after her correspondence, and she was surprised that he did so now.
“I suspect you will have a letter from your younger sister, asking that you attend her in town.”
Elizabeth’s brows rose. “Really? Does she say why?” She was not terribly surprised by the request. Mary had always preferred her to either their older or younger sisters. What did surprise her was that Mary wanted anyone at all with her. She had been quite eager to be away from them, and now Elizabeth worried that something had happened to upset her in some manner.
“She does not, but your aunt has sent me a note to warn me of the request. She reassures me that nothing is wrong and that your sister appears to be enjoying herself. She has made a new friend, and I think perhaps she wishes to get your opinion on the matter. Are you interested in going?” He peered at her over his spectacles. He knew how protective his girls were of each other, and was quite certain that his Lizzy would not hesitate to go to Mary.
“I am. It is an unexpected request, to be sure, but my sister would not ask if she did not truly need me.”
“Very well, then. I shall send an express to your aunt. You may take my carriage to the post stop tomorrow. She will send hers to meet you there. Your mother and sisters can chaperone you as far as the posting inn; I am quite certain they would enjoy a bit of shopping as recompense for staying at Longbourn.”
“Thank you, Papa. I will begin my packing now.” Elizabeth rose from her chair, walking around behind his desk to kiss his cheek before heading toward the door.
“I shall miss you, Daughter. You are the most sensible of my children, you know. What shall I do while you are gone?”
Elizabeth turned before exiting the room, an impish grin on her face. “Why, I do not know what you will do,” she exclaimed, before winking and stepping into the hall to the sound of her father’s delighted laughter.
Chapter 2
London
“Mary, dear,” Lady Watts called out as she entered the drawing room. “I have a letter from your father.”
“You do? What does he say?”
Lady Watts laughed. “That was a rapid response! I have never seen you so eager to hear from your family.”
Mary blushed at her godmother’s tease. “Yes, well, I have never before had as good a reason for it.”
Laughing once more, the lady relayed the news. “Your sister will arrive tomorrow in time for tea. Would you like to invite Miss Darcy, or do you think Elizabeth will want to rest and meet your friend later?”
“Oh, I cannot imagine Lizzy being too tired to meet someone new, but I confess I should like some time to visit with her before we have guests.” Mary looked at her hands, clasped in her lap. “I have never been from home for so long, and though I have been without my elder sisters for longer periods, this time feels different. I am impatient to be with her.”
Lady Watts laid her hand over her goddaughter’s. Speaking gently, she reassured her. “Of course you are. This is all so new to you, being in London and in society. It is good that Elizabeth is coming to give you a listening ear and help you sort things out in your mind.” She leaned over and kissed Mary’s cheek. “You are a beautiful young woman, and I am so happy to be able to host you.” Squeezing the hand she held, Lady Watts smiled before rising, quietly leaving her guest to contemplate her sister’s arrival.
The time between Mr. Bennet’s express and Elizabeth’s arrival passed as it always does when someone is expecting an eagerly-awaited visitor. That is to say, rather slowly. Eventually, though, Lizzy entered the house to be eagerly embraced by her aunt, uncle, and sister, who clung to her as though she might never let go.
“Oh Lizzy, I am so happy to see you!”
“And I, you. Are you well? Your letter worried me.”
“I am sorry; I did not mean to cause you alarm. It is just that I missed you and am in need of a sisterly ear to listen and help me make sense of my thoughts and feelings.”
Elizabeth searched Mary’s face for the truth. Not seeing any artifice, she conceded. “Very well, then. We shall talk this evening before bed, as we do at Longbourn, yes?”
“Oh, yes, thank you, Lizzy!” With a final hug, the girls broke apart and followed Lord and Lady Watts to the drawing room, where tea was laid out. Following a lively discussion and catching up of news, the group separated to prepare for dinner.
It was much later that evening that the house retired. Mary soon knocked on Elizabeth’s door, and upon being invited in, settled on the bed as she was wont to do at home when the sisters chatted.
“I am so happy you have come, Lizzy!”
“I am, as well.” Elizabeth leaned forward to place her hand on Mary’s. “Is anything bothering you? You do not seem out of sorts, but I was surprised that you requested me to come.”
“Truly,” Mary began in an earnest tone of voice, “I am happy. My aunt is wonderful to me, and treats me as her own child. I have been to dinners and the theater and museums, and had so many new experiences! I simply needed a sister with whom to share them.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Well, then, here I am. Tell me all about it.”
They spent a happy hour with the younger sister describing in great detail her adventures.
The next day
“Lizzy, with my godmother’s permission, I have invited my friend, Georgiana, to dine this evening.”
“Wonderful! I am pleased. You have needed a friend, and I am happy you have found one. You make her sound lovely.”
“Oh, she is!”
“Indeed, she is,” interjected Lady Watts. “Shy and lovely, and of the best of families.”
“Good, good. What can yo
u tell me about her?”
Mary explained all that she knew about Georgiana, including that she had a brother. Purposely, Mary did not tell her sister that said brother was unmarried or that she and her friend hoped to push them together. She wanted their meeting to be totally without prejudice.
Elizabeth and Mary descended the staircase together, dressed in their finest and chatting about the evening’s guests and entertainment. After spending the morning practicing on the pianoforte, they were prepared to perform a duet, along with individual performances.
“I do hope we can convince our aunt to display, as well. She is quite skilled, you know.”
“Then I will do my best to persuade her. What about Miss Darcy? You said that she is a gifted performer, as well.”
“She is, but she is not yet out and is quite shy. I am not certain she will be willing, though we can certainly ask.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Very well, we will not push her.”
At that moment, they arrived at the drawing room, where their aunt and uncle awaited them. Before they had a chance to settle into seats, the butler, Mr. Clarke, stepped into the room and announced the visitors.
“Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Miss Georgiana Darcy.”
“Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy, welcome! Come in, come in.” Lord Watts greatly enjoyed being a host and was eager to get the evening underway.
“Thank you for inviting us, sir.” Mr. Darcy began, his attention focused on his host. “My sister and I have been eagerly awaiting this event.”
“Wonderful!” Lord Watts turned to his family. “The ladies have done nothing but chatter about it all day, as well.”
Darcy smiled as he, too, turned his attention to the ladies. He greeted his hostess and his sister’s friend, then noticed a new person standing beside Miss Bennet. He was struck by her sparkling, laughing eyes and the half-smile that graced her face. Not removing his gaze from her, he asked his host for an introduction.
