The Adventures of Lizzy Bennet - Book 1: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Kate Speck

  William walked outside to see if Lizzy might have gone for a stroll and looked up and down the street to find it quiet. The driver and the coachmen had all gone inside the townhouse to look for his friend except for two servants who were guarding the trunks on the second carriage.

  “CAPTAIN GULLIVER! ARE YOU NEAR? WHERE ARE YOU?” William desperately shouted, hoping she was somewhere close.

  He stood for a moment quietly to listen when he heard a soft knocking nearby. He ceased all movements and hushed the servants to remain quiet. “I HEAR YOU! WHERE ARE YOU? KNOCK LOUDER, LIZZY!” He yelled again.

  William walked closer to the carriage and placed his ears on the door and opened it to see if she was inside already. He heard the continuous tapping and lifted himself up on the side wheel and placed his ears on one of the trunks on the roof. He heard more thuds and found which one the noise was coming from. Instructing the servants to quickly unload the trunks, he promptly opened one of the larger luggage to find Lizzy curled up inside it, her face covered in tears and panting for air.

  “Oh, Lizzy, how in the world did you end up in there?” William lifted the child and carried her inside quickly. “I have found her!” He shouted and everyone took a breath in relief.

  Lizzy held on tightly to William and wept as she hiccupped and explained. “I was pretending that I was a mummy in a sarcophagus and was laying very still in the trunk and must have fallen asleep, when I felt myself being lifted up and taken outside. I screamed and banged on the sides but no one heard me until Will came out and found me.” She lifted up her head and looked at William with fright in her eyes, “You are not going to make me go back in there, are you? I swear I will never go inside a trunk ever again. It is not like riding a horse, Will. I promise to not be afraid of looking at trunks, even though I will never climb inside one.”

  William laughed loudly while the others covered their amusement. “No, little one. You never have to go inside a trunk. I trust you have learned your lesson.” He chuckled again when she hurriedly nodded her head.

  “Mr. Mason,” Mr. Darcy declared to the butler who was standing by the door, covering his own laughter, “a new house rule when we are packing up for our travels; everyone is to look inside any unlocked trunks before transporting them to the carriage. We must ensure we have no stowaways amongst us!”

  “Of course, sir. I shall instruct the staff straightaway, sir.” Mr. Mason smiled.

  “Oh! I should not like to be a stowaway,” Lizzy wiped her face and exclaimed, “especially on a pirate ship! Did you know that pirates were terribly cruel with their punishments and liked to tie their enemies to the mast or make them walk the plank? I read about keelhauling, which is the most dreadful way of dying by a pirate. I hope I never die that way!”

  The occupants of the room laughed merrily while William affectionately rubbed Lizzy’s back. “Do you know I found two grey hairs on my head this morning? I think I have a whole patch now.”

  “Sorry, Will. I don’t mean to cause so much trouble.” Lizzy laid her head on his chest sadly.

  “You are no trouble, Lizzy. Only promise me you will be more careful.” He squeezed her tightly with his arms. “I adore you too much for any harm to come to you.”

  “Thank you for saving me. I am glad you found me.” Lizzy kissed his cheek and wrapped her arms around his neck.

  William smiled, “I would walk the earth to find you, Lizzy. I have no other blood-brothers and you are my only one.”

  Lady Anne rose and walked over to embrace Lizzy after she stood. “Now that we have found our precious cargo, shall we return her home to Hertfordshire? I hope you will not be averse to travelling again with us, Lizzy. Perhaps next year we can to take you to Pemberley in Derbyshire if you are willing to travel with us again. I know you will love it there but I think you will wish to stay home this year.”

  Lizzy held Lady Anne’s hand as they walked outside to the carriage. “I would love to see your home up north, Mrs. Anne. Georgiana says it’s the most beautiful place in the world and there are many places we can hide and seek. But you are right, I wish to be home at Longbourn and stay in my tree for some time before I leave Hertfordshire again. I’ve had many adventures but I find that I miss my family, even my whiny baby sister Lydia, and I can’t wait to see them.” She smiled at the genteel lady, “Thank you for your kindness to me, Mrs. Anne. My sisters will love the gifts you got for them and mama will scream with joy with the beautiful lace we found. I like your taste in ribbons and laces and I know mama admires your dresses. You are the kindest lady I know.”

  “You are most welcome, Lizzy. You give us more than you know and we love you very much. Let us return you home to the peace and comfort of Hertfordshire. It will be a short ride and I know how much you miss your family and your pony.” Lady Anne answered as they sat down in their seats in the carriage to return home to the calm and peaceful countryside.

  Chapter 18

  June 1804

  “I cannot wait until you marry my uncle, Miss Carter,” Jane softly commented while they sat at Netherfield’s sitting room, “Mama is bursting with excitement and I have not seen her this delighted since papa made the changes in the household last year.”

  Madeline Carter embraced the young lady, “Oh, Jane, I am most eager to be part of your family. I did not think I would find someone after I lost my parents but the Darcy family had been very kind and it was providence that led me here to meet your uncle. Did you know that I nearly accepted another position in London? Lady Anne personally came to ask me to care for her daughter and I feel I made the right choice and nearer my brother in Lambton. I suppose if it were meant to be, I might have met Mr. Gardiner in London somehow but it has been a pleasure to get to know you and your family this past year.”

  Jane squeezed her hand, “I think you are kindest lady I have ever met and I am glad you will be our aunt. Lizzy absolutely adores you and we are eager for cousins as well, since Aunt Philips cannot have any children. She has been sad but has been a wonderful aunt to us and she is also thrilled to gain you as a sister.”

  “I hope to invite you to London soon, Jane. Your mama has been talking about having you out when you turn fifteen and you have only two years to go should she get her wish.” Miss Carter teased. “Can you see yourself getting married in two to four years? You can have a season in town and your uncle and I can take you to several parties to meet young gentlemen.”

  Jane blushed, “I know mama is still fretting that we will not find husbands soon enough, but fifteen is far too young. Papa is negotiating with mama that perhaps I can be out at sixteen and I would love to stay with you whenever you will have me. Lizzy told me that she enjoyed her trip to London immensely and Lady Anne has promised to take me with her next time they return. The Darcys are wonderful and I am glad Lizzy is a good friend to them.”

  “And you are not... envious of Lizzy’s... friendship with them? They think of her like a part of their family and she is here at Netherfield daily.” Miss Carter gently asked. “I know Georgiana is much younger but young Mr. Darcy is a respectable gentleman and would be a fine prospect for a husband.”

  “And mama reminds me of it often, Miss Carter. She wants me to sit next to him and speak with him more but he is only at ease with Lizzy and does not talk to the other girls often. He conversed with us a little when we first met him but most of the time, he is quiet and only observes everyone. Lizzy says he is shy but he is very tall and a bit frightening when he glares.” Jane honestly answered. “Mama has considerably calmed now that Charlotte is engaged and eagerly awaits my coming out in society so I can capture a wealthy young man. I am very happy that Lizzy is loved by the Darcys, Miss Carter. She was lonely for so long, with mama always pouring her attentions on me, Mary was happier with her sermons and pianoforte, and Kitty and Lydia had each other. Lizzy was always the odd one out and mama was constantly cross with her before, but now, she has friends and her books and she is very happy.”

  Miss Carter
kissed Jane’s forehead. “You are a very good girl, Jane. As soon as I am settled in London, we will invite you and splurge on some shopping and iced cream.”

  “Can Lizzy come, too?” Jane asked. “She spoke much of her outings there and I would love to have her show me the places she visited.”

  “Yes, of course,” Miss Carter beamed, “such good girls.” She looked out the window and saw the carriage arrive. “Here is my sister from London. She will enjoy being here in the countryside and I hope you will be kind to her as you have been to me, Jane.”

  “Of course, Miss Carter. Now that your sister is here, what do I call you? Should I address you as Miss Madeline?” Jane asked.

  “How about Aunt Madeline, Jane? We will be family soon and Lizzy already calls me ‘aunt’.” She smiled.

  Jane hugged the lady, “I would love that, Aunt Madeline. I am so glad to be gaining you as my aunt. Here come the girls. Let us join them and greet your sister!”

  They both stood and joined the giggling Lizzy and Georgiana who were eager to meet the new governess. Miss Diana Carter had been praised for her singing and pianoforte skills as well as her knowledge of history and philosophy, and Lizzy was eager to make the acquaintance of a fellow bluestocking and was determined to become a great author someday.

  ~*~

  The wedding took place in late June and Mr. Darcy proudly gave away the bride while Mr. Gardiner smiled his biggest smile yet. The wedding breakfast was delicious and Mrs. Bennet and Lady Lucas made many mental notes on what they would serve at their own daughters’ wedding breakfasts someday. Charlotte was recently engaged to Mr. Robinson, a reputable landowner of £1,000 a year, who was four and thirty years old.

  “I am most eager for my own wedding, Eliza,” Charlotte softly spoke during the breakfast at the Netherfield dining hall. “Although Lucas Lodge is not as grand, mama is thrilled for me and can turn her attentions to my younger brothers and sisters after I am married.”

  Lizzy smiled, “I still don’t understand why anyone wish to be married but Aunt Madeline looked beautiful and you will make a very pretty bride, Charlotte.”

  “Thank you, Lizzy. I know I am plain but perhaps with the right dress and flowers, I can look my best.” Charlotte blushed. “Mrs. Gardiner is to loan me her bridal veil and it is the most beautiful piece of lace I have seen. It must have cost a fortune but I understand Lady Anne had gifted it to her.”

  “Mrs. Anne is very generous and she says she is happy to do everything because she didn’t expect to be enjoying many events while she was ill. She is still delicate but she grows stronger in determination.” Lizzy answered as she waved at Lady Anne who was smiling at her. “I love my mama but Mrs. Anne has been like a second mother to me and I learn lots of things from her.”

  “You are most fortunate to have a mentor,” Charlotte wrapped her arm around Lizzy’s, “and I hope you will continue to visit me when I am an old, married woman, Eliza. Purvis Lodge is but four miles from Longbourn and since you are an excellent horsewoman, the distance is nothing now.”

  Lizzy laughed, “I shall be happy to visit you as often as I can, Charlotte. Although I am still not allowed to ride alone, and with the Darcys at Pemberley for the next several months, I am hoping papa will allow me to ride Ghost and perhaps not require his accompaniment. Why are you marrying so late, by the by? Uncle Edward proposed to Aunt Madeline only four weeks ago and are married today, yet you are not marrying until October.”

  “Because my betrothed has several businesses to attend after his younger brother was killed in the war. Being a second son, the younger Mr. Robinson had joined the navy at thirteen and his ship, unfortunately, perished at sea. Mr. Robinson has to wait for the mourning period and then we can marry.” Charlotte answered.

  “Ah, I understand. I didn’t know much about mourning before but I understand it is usually six months for a sibling.” Lizzy nodded. “It is terrible that you must wait for so long but to give my life for my country would be a great honour. I would love to meet Lord Nelson and fight alongside the great naval hero.”

  Charlotte giggled, “Of course, Captain Gulliver. But I heard that all sailors must learn how to sew. You would be a terrible sailor.”

  Lizzy gasped, “I would be terrible! I truly despise sewing!”

  The girls both laughed and Charlotte soon left to the ballroom to join the rest of the adults. Lizzy covertly stood next to the food tables and hid two apples behind her skirts to head to the stables after seeing that Georgie was busy introducing her new governess to the other young girls in attendance.

  “You deserve a treat as well, Ghost,” Lizzy petted her pony, “and you, too, Honey, for being such brilliant horses to Georgie and me. I am happy you will be coming to Longbourn with us and I can’t wait to show you your home for the next months.”

  The Darcys were due to depart Hertfordshire for Derbyshire the following morning and planned on returning in December before the harsh winter descended upon Pemberley. The ponies were too small for the journey north and Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet had agreed to keep the animals at Longbourn for Lizzy’s enjoyment.

  “I just gave them an apple, too, Lizzy,” a deep voice called out from the back of the stables. “They ate far too many fruits and will need a good run later.”

  Lizzy laughed, “What are you doing lurking about in the shadows, Fitzwilliam Darcy? I thought you were dancing with the ladies in the ballroom while the children were sneaking out sweets from the dining tables. You’re supposed to be a gentleman and dance every set so ladies won’t have to sit out.”

  William threw the straw that he was chewing on the ground and stood up from the haystack, “You know how difficult it is for me to converse and attempt to be listening to whatever they are saying! It is terribly dull and I never realised how many single ladies attend weddings. They all flutter their eyes and smile and agree with everything I say and it is positively exhausting. I wish you could dance. I would dance with you and it would be a good laugh.”

  “I’m finally learning some dance steps from Mrs. Porter but it has been a challenge to get my left and right feet in the correct places. I would fall over and make a fool of myself and it would definitely be an amusing sight!” Lizzy giggled. “Jane is much better at it than me and I know I will never be graceful, even when I am older.”

  “It is because you do not have the right partner. You will learn it well enough, I am sure, but it takes a lot of practice.” William stood in front of her, “Do you hear the music, Lizzy?” She nodded. “Just do what I do and follow along.”

  William bowed and walked forward and back, crossed her path to walk to the other side and again, forward and backward and bowed again. “You curtsey, not bow, silly girl. But that is the basic dance and you just have to get fancier with the feet.”

  “It is so much easier to have you show me like this, Will!” Lizzy exclaimed. “You are a good dancing partner.”

  William smiled and sat back down on his haystack. “It is much easier to dance with you than with ladies that I cannot tolerate. Father wants to hold a Summer Ball at Pemberley before I return to Cambridge but I would rather not. I know he is happy that mama is better and wants to do everything for her enjoyment but I would rather fence and ride my horse and climb trees.”

  Lizzy sat down next to him and he wrapped his arm on her shoulder. “You promised to teach me how to fence next so I hope December will arrive soon. With Charlotte marrying this autumn and Aunt Madeline promising to have Jane and me in London after harvest, I am excited for the seasons to come but it’s not the same without you, Will. I will miss you terribly.”

  “I will miss you, too, Lizzy. Georgie will be back with Miss Carter and you will continue your education in December and I will be back right after that. I will write you often. I know how much you enjoyed our debates and your Latin is very good now, so perhaps we can have discussions on sciences next. I always look forward to hearing from you and you can write as much as you wish. You know I can pay for
the post.” William smiled after kissing the top of her head.

  “I appreciate that you send your letters franked, but I can afford to pay for your letters, too, Will. I enjoy your letters more than riding Ghost and that is saying a lot!” Lizzy laughed. “I will miss you, my friend, but time will pass quickly and I wish you safe journey. I can’t imagine how much Georgiana will have grown when I see her this winter. Mary is taller than me now and I feel like I will stay this small forever.”

  William stood up and measured the young girl’s height against himself. “You are now about... four foot, four inches? Georgie is about an inch shorter than you and will likely be as tall as my mother by the time she is your age.” He lifted the girl easily into his arms, “I hope you do stay this small, Lizzy. It is easier to carry you and you are lighter than Georgie.”

  “You and Georgie are giants and my poor Lilliputians have suffered for it, but I am going to try my best to eat lots and grow bigger so we can climb taller trees together. Mrs. Anne promised me that I can visit Pemberley next year and that there are many trees that await my exploration.” Lizzy hugged her friend. “I will miss you, Will. Make sure you take good care of yourself and write to me often.”

  “I will, dear Lizzy. I am your blood-brother and will always be your friend.” William lowered her to the ground and smiled, as he bowed deeply and returned inside to the ballroom.

  Chapter 19

  July 1904

  “Why did you not let me know earlier?” Mr. Darcy lamented. “I wish I had known sooner. Is there nothing that can be done? Draughts? Surgery?”

  “No, sir. It seems to be a cancer and I have not long to live, sir.” Mr. Wickham coughed as he sat in Pemberley’s study in front of his employer. “Six months at best, the doctor said.”

  Mr. Darcy rubbed his mouth with his hands. “I am sorry to hear it, Wickham. You have been with me these five and twenty years and I am still in disbelief. What can I do for you? Anything you wish, my friend, I wish to make your time more comfortable.”