This chapter just cut my heart to reread. Jane. Dear Jane.
XOXOXO Elizabeth Ann West
Chapter 11 - A Spring Sentiment, a Pride and Prejudice Variation
With two weeks left until her wedding, Elizabeth Bennet was once again packing her trunks. This time, she and Mary were to reside with Lady Matlock until the wedding ceremony to lessen the strain on the Gardiner home. Jane elected to remain behind to provide extra help, though Elizabeth secretly suspected that society was steadily becoming her elder sister’s least favorite part of living in London. Gone were the plethora of compliments and attentions she enjoyed in Meryton. At the few teas the girls had attended, the primary focus was always on Elizabeth, a status the second eldest Bennet sister was not keen to continue but possessed little choice in the matter.
Accepting another gown from her aunt, Elizabeth graciously thanked her. “It seems I cannot stay put in one household for more than a month!” The two women shared a giggle. Mrs. Gardiner took a seat on the bed, careful not to sit on any of the garments already laid out.
“I’m afraid it’s about to become much worse for you, my dear. The post of Mrs. Darcy requires extensive travel and packing.”
Elizabeth made a face and lowered the burgundy dress she was in the process of folding. “I do hope there will be other inducements.” For a moment, the two women remained completely serious, but soon broke into laughter. Mrs. Gardiner patted her niece’s hand, happy that her private talks with her niece had made Elizabeth look forward to the wedding bed, not fear it.
“My dear, I do believe at this time in just a few weeks you will be quite the content wife. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must return downstairs. Jane is entertaining the Bingleys.”
“Pray, I fear my packing will take me much longer than I originally expected.”
Mrs. Gardiner clucked her tongue and shook her head. “Oh be hidden with you. Poor Jane does not need you sparring with Miss Bingley this afternoon.”
Shrugging, Elizabeth returned to her packing, tucking her father’s copy of Hamlet into its usual place. The tome had become quite the travel companion, and its addition to her trunk made her smile wistfully, remembering that night only a few months ago when she had imagined packing for the life of a spinster. Here she was packing for her life as a wife, and she found the latter much more to her liking, even if she did dislike packing in general.
Downstairs, Jane struggled with the Bingleys’ visit.
“And Lord Bergamote is quite the gentleman! Being from France, he has such a number and variety of bon mots that we were all in stitches at Lady Carrigan’s, were we not, Charles?” Caroline Bingley continued to bring up subjects Jane could not possibly remark on.
“He was not so witty,” Charles sniffed, noticing Jane was scarcely paying attention. The more he considered making good on Darcy’s warning, the less confident he was that he could give Jane a happy life. “But let’s have no more talk of balls! Have you considered my invitation to the theater, Miss Bennet?”
Before Jane could answer, the front door to the Gardiner house opened. A very loud and shrill Lydia Bennet barged into the front foyer.
“La, where is everyone? Let me go. It’s me, Lydia! I am the niece engaged to the wonderful Mr. Wickham. Isn’t he here as well?”
Jane blanched as Caroline reached for her teacup in a knowing manner. “Pardon me, Miss Bingley, Mr. Bingley.” Jane rose from her seat as Mr. Bingley stood and bowed. Both Mrs. Gardiner and Jane reached Lydia at the same time, and the drastic plumpness of her figure made both women pause and look at one another in horror.
“We had no idea you were to travel. Why did you send no note?” Mrs. Gardiner’s voice sounded strained as she mentally worked out where to place Lydia, then remembered that Mary and Elizabeth were to leave that very afternoon.
“And ruin the surprise? Where is he? Surely he’s been found by now!”
“Lydia, Mr. Wickham is not here,” Jane explained quietly.
Suddenly, a look of panic crossed Lydia’s face, and she began to shout. “What do you mean he is not here? It’s been months, Mr. Darcy promised he would find him! He must be found!”
Mrs. Gardiner and Jane shared another glance, and Mrs. Gardiner wrapped her arm around Lydia, attempting to steer her towards the back of the house, but Lydia refused to move and fought her guidance. Jane rushed back to the sitting room.
“Mr. Bingley and Miss Bingley, it appears my sister has traveled from Hertfordshire to surprise us and see to her Uncle, but she is greatly fatigued. You’ll forgive me for asking your pardon. I promise to call upon you in the very near future?”
Caroline Bingley sniffed, but placed her teacup down and rose with her brother. “Of course, Jane dear, we could not possibly impose on you at a time like this.”
Jane gave both a relieved smile, but as she walked them to the door, Mrs. Gardiner and Lydia were still in the foyer. As Caroline Bingley looked Lydia up and down, saying nothing, the bottom of Jane’s stomach dropped. She wasn’t positive, but any woman would take one look at Lydia Bennet and come to only one conclusion. The youngest Bennet daughter was breeding.
Not long after the Lydia ruckus and the Bingley departure, the Matlock carriage arrived. With Mrs. Gardiner busy in the kitchen plying a crying Lydia with tea and comfort, Jane Bennet began to weep in the armchair just inside of the drawing room. When the carriage was announced and her other sisters began to descend the stairs, Jane wiped her eyes as quickly as she could and set her shoulders back. She was the eldest Bennet sister, and already too much had fallen onto Elizabeth’s shoulders to fix. With a serene smile, she greeted her sisters at the bottom of the stairs.
“Have a lovely time and make sure to tell Lady Matlock how much I appreciated her invitation.” Jane hugged Elizabeth farewell.
With a quizzical expression, Elizabeth looked around in the hallway, but could only hear soft voices from the kitchen. “Is Aunt crying?” Elizabeth began to take a few steps towards the back of the town home, but Jane blocked her way.
“Sssh, Aunt is embarrassed that her sentiments have run away again, but she said she would see you both soon. It would not be prudent to make the Matlocks wait.”
Elizabeth eyed her sister suspiciously, but shook her head. The Jane she knew and loved was not the same Jane that left their mother’s house to come to London, but there was no doubt any intrigues between Jane and their aunt were of a good nature. In fact, Elizabeth wondered if the two of them did not have some surprise planned for her as that was what she would be scheming if their positions were reversed. Turning around and linking arms with Mary, Elizabeth Bennet took her final steps across the Gardiner threshold as a resident.
Once the carriage had safely rolled away, Jane turned from the front window and hastened to the kitchen. Lydia looked forlornly at the table, still heaving sporadically with dry sobs. Covering her mouth in horror, she looked at her aunt for confirmation, and her aunt slowly nodded.
“Mr. Wickham must be found straight away, I’m afraid,” was all her aunt explained with a heavy tone.
Gingerly, Jane approached Lydia to sit next to her, and the younger girl lifted her head to stare at her oldest sister with red-rimmed eyes. “I’m to be married. He said, he said—” she gulped for air, “he said we were to be married.” Finished, she wailed a new howl of anguish.
Overwhelmed with grief for her sister, and all of their futures, Jane embraced Lydia and pulled her to her chest. “Shhh, shhh, all will be well. You were very brave to travel here all alone. Very brave. Together we will find a way to protect you and the baby. I promise.”
Mrs. Gardiner excused herself and shuddered as she bristled down the hallway. She wished she could share Jane’s optimism, but without a trace of Mr. Wickham, and the family more or less deciding there was no future for Lydia married to that lout, she was unsure how they might find protection for anyone. With a deep breath, she took the stairs one at a time to avoid for as long as possible the moment when she must break her husband’s heart.
Chapter 11 (cont'd) - A Spring Sentiment, a Pride and Prejudice Variation
Arriving at the Matlock house, Mary and Elizabeth were handed down by two of the most dashing Fitzwilliam men. The colonel was on hand to escort Miss Mary as his cousin, Mr. Darcy, was there to enjoy the attentions of his intended.
“The ride was not too taxing, I hope?”
Elizabeth playfully swatted Mr. Darcy’s arm and laughed. “Hardly, sir. Now the constant packing and unpacking of trunks, on the other hand, that is quite taxing indeed.” Darcy gave her a look of pure chagrin.
“I could have sent Becky to your aunt’s home. I was merely acquiescing to your request that she does not permanently join your service until we are wed.”
Elizabeth sighed. “And I still believe that was for the best. This Mrs. Darcy business is quite overwhelming at present, and I am following the advice of my betters.”
“Oh?” The couple finally began to walk towards the town home, following the colonel and Mary.
“Yes. I will only take on those duties and delights as I am comfortable with, no more, no less.”
“Hmm, very wise.” Darcy leaned close to Elizabeth’s ear just as they reached the door. “I promise to make you quite comfortable, Mrs. Darcy.” With a nonchalant expression, Darcy handed a red-faced Elizabeth into the foyer, and if she gave a little shiver before her curtsy to Lady Matlock, it was hardly noticed by those present.
Rising from her reverence for the rank of her soon-to-be relations, Elizabeth gave a genuine smile to Lady Matlock. In a thrice, the older lady’s arms were open. A tiny jingle could be heard as she waved her hands to bid the two Bennet sisters into an embrace as the bracelets on both arms shook.
“My dears, my dears, you have been through too much for lambs.” Lady Matlock inspected both of the girls’ complexions for signs of fatigue and weariness. Happy with her inspection, she clucked her tongue and tucked an arm of each girl into her own. “For a fortnight it will be my deepest pleasure to erase any pain of your recent past tragedies and show you off as the delightful, intelligent young women I know you to be. Now, tomorrow we will visit the modiste, followed by a short call on Lady Rockford. . .” The Countess of Matlock’s voice trailed off as the ladies left the men in the foyer.
“Well, Darce, it looks like we’ve been replaced.” The colonel gave a guffaw, but his cousin kept his famed mask in place to hide all emotions. “Do not be so dour, Groom. Come, let’s join Father in the study.” Richard motioned towards the Earl of Matlock, making a hasty exit to the medieval-styled, leather upholstered den of retreat for five generations of Fitzwilliam men.
Once the door was shut, the younger men waited for the elder to speak as the colonel poured drinks. The Earl of Matlock collapsed into his desk chair and scattered the papers about with a frown on his face. Richard looked to Darcy, who elegantly seated himself in a chair opposite the desk.
“You appear frustrated, Uncle. Is there something I can assist you with?” The Master of Pemberley voice Darcy reserved for formal occasions made an appearance.
“My boy, it’s the oldest problem in the kingdom. All the land we cannot need, none of the cash that we do.” The earl continued to seek out a sheet, and finally locating his query, the head of the Fitzwilliam family gave a rare glimpse of his younger self. “Here it is! Richard, come here!”
Already pouring himself another drink, the colonel flinched, then finished his pour. “Coming, Father.” He strode across the study in his full regimentals with the swagger of a war-tested professional.
“I have it here. Visited the bloodsuckers myself, I did. If you give up your commission, your grandfather will settle the Grover Downs cottage on you. See, my son, there is no need for you to concern yourself with this black business on the Continent.”
“What kind of army man should I consider myself that I did not see this ambush coming, hmm?” Richard gave his cousin a plaintive look. But Darcy was preoccupied; he sat and watched the swirl of his drink, wondering what his aunt was planning with Elizabeth. He remained completely oblivious as the father and son attempted to speak civilly about their bone of contention, though neither was willing to concede ground.
“I say, in my day, a second son would roll over in mud to have such an offer!”
“And I’ve tried to tell you, father, I am grateful, but this is not my place. Besides, Darcy, you have remained awfully quiet. What say you?”
“Pardon? I fear I was not attending.”
“Clearly, Cousin.” The colonel rolled his eyes and took the offer from his father. “Mother’s family has joined in the crusade to make me give up my commission.” He handed the letter to Darcy and made a prolonged sip of his drink.
The practiced businessman part of Darcy flitted over the broad strokes of the deal, and he absently began to stroke his chin as he often did when ruminating on an idea. “Well, Darce?”
Looking at his uncle and cousin, he was truly neutral. The loyal part of his heart wished nothing more than to support Richard in any scheme the man might dream up. Why, by Jove, he’d even fund it! But the part of his heart that loved his cousin was torn asunder by the very idea of more cannon fire in his general direction. “As no announcement has yet been made about the troops leaving for the Continent, merely blusters of volunteering, perhaps it would be wise to travel this summer to Grover Downs cottage and inspect the property for yourselves. At the very least, if there are any repairs to be made, that can be done should Richard decide the better part of valor is living to fight another day.” Darcy handed the letter back to his uncle and stood and bowed. As he moved to exit the room, both men called after him.
With a smile, Darcy turned around. “I’m sorry, gentlemen, but a pair of very fine eyes is owed my presence. I am certain you will remain at a standstill when we next speak.”
WHAT A DEAL!
A kiss at the Netherfield Ball . . .
Three Dates with Mr. Darcy is a bundle of: An exclusive story, Much to Conceal, a novella that imagines what if Elizabeth confessed to Jane in London that Mr. Darcy proposed in Kent?
A Winter Wrong, the first novella in the Seasons of Serendipity series that imagines what if Mr. Bennet died at the very beginning of Pride and Prejudice?
By Consequence of Marriage, the first novel in the Moralities of Marriage series that wonders what if Mr. Darcy never saved his sister Georgiana from Wickham’s clutches?
Elizabeth Ann West’s Pride and Prejudice variations have enthralled more than 100,000 readers in over 90 countries! A proud member of the Jane Austen Fan Fiction community since the mid-2000s, she hopes you will join her in being happily Darcy addicted!
Chapter 11(cont'd) - A Spring Sentiment, a Pride and Prejudice Variation
The thread on Jane’s shawl twisted mercilessly around her two fingers. She continued her pattern of tightening it and unraveling it to wind it around her fingers again. Lydia was finally asleep, and Kitty was happy to extend her tea to dinner at Darcy House with Georgiana. In her Uncle’s sickroom, she sat with her aunt as the three of them discussed what to do about their newest problem.
“We must tell Darcy. He has a right to know.” Mr. Gardiner stated, wincing in pain as his leg was still healing from the multiple fractures experienced in the coach accident.
“I still do not see what good that will do. Even should Mr. Wickham be found this very night, my sister is too far gone for there not to be talk. I’m afraid the only option will be to find somewhere to send her away, and…,” Jane paused as she swallowed once more for the courage of her conviction, “and I shall go with her.”
“But where Jane darling? Where on earth can we send you? I’m afraid we are out of relations. And what of Mr. Bingley? Your absence would be most remarkable.” Jane closed her eyes and pinched her lips together. She breathed in and out of her nose to lessen the aggravation she felt. Once again, that ill-decided courtship was wreaking havoc on her life. Between her and Lydia they were wealthy enough to maintain a household, but there was no way for two unmarried women of marriageable age to do such a thing!
“I know protecting Lydia is your goal, Jane, dear. We just need more options. I still say we need to send for Mr. Darcy.” Mr. Gardiner coughed and whooped in pain. His broken ribs on the same side of his leg injury were irritated with his talking, and Mrs. Gardiner rushed forward to grab her husband’s hand lest he thrash in response to the pain. After a moment, Mr. Gardiner regained his composure, and with teary eyes, he whispered thanks to his wife.
“No.”
Both of the Gardiners turned to the shocking firmness in Jane’s voice.
“There will be no bothering Fitzwilliam or Elizabeth so close to their wedding. They both deserve one brief period of happiness before the ugliness of this business is bandied about.” Jane rose from her chair. “I know what must be done. On the morrow, I will take the carriage to Matlock House and request an audience with the colonel. If there is any help to be found in that quarter, he is the right man to approach.”
Jane nodded to both of her relations and quit the room to check on Lydia. As she left and quietly shut the door, Mrs. Gardiner turned her attentions back to her husband. With a light pressure, she kissed his forehead and locked eyes with him.
“That’s two now that are all grown up. When did it happen, Edward? How did we miss it?”
Taking a measured breath, Mr. Gardiner managed the only response he could. “God is gracious.”
You’ve been reading A Spring Sentiment
A Spring Sentiment, Book 2 of the Seasons of Serendipity
a Pride and Prejudice novella variation series
Release Date: September 24, 2014
33,000 words, ~162 pages in print.
After losing her father in autumn and falling in love with Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet quickly feels the frustrations of settling her newly widowed mother and making her debut in London society. Tackling adventures in three counties, the Bennet sisters find new paths opening up before them. A mistake by one sister places the whole family at risk and it takes the full Bennet family strength and friends they can rely on to help Darcy and Elizabeth march down that wedding aisle!
A Spring Sentiment is the second book in a series planned to chronicle 4 years of the Darcy-Bennet-Fitzwilliam families. Death, marriage, changing fortunes, and politics test Jane Austen’s wonderful characters in an alternate universe where the girls have not the protection of their father.
“Elizabeth Ann West keeps writing winners. She has a gift, She can transport you to another time” – Debbie Oelke, Amazon.com 5-star review on A Spring Sentiment
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A Jane-of-all-trades, mistress to none! Elizabeth Ann West is the author of 8 novels and 11 novellas, 18 of which are story variations of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.
Now that I am up to date with your posts, I am debating on getting your series. Electronic or physical. Decisions.
I like the growth of thecharacters. I don’t know what will get through to Lydia or the Bingley’s, for that matter.
First, thank you so much for reading! If you like this series, I would recommend the digital From Longbourn to Pemberley. It’s books 1-4 in this series, have tissues with you for A Summer Shame. The paperbacks were made back when the books first published and are very much FIRST EDITIONS, in that every blemish that we use to tell if something is a first edition or not when an author is long gone is there. 🙂 I intend to do a big re-do of them and re-release them, it’s just a matter of finding the time to go backwards when there’s still so many rocks and mountains ahead of me to go climb!
Can’t wait to reading more.
Love reading your books I have sent for more can,t wait for them to come x