Goodly Creatures: A Pride and Prejudice Deviation (57 page)

Sir Walter Trent arrived at the home of his boyhood friend, Thomas Bennet, on the twentieth of December. His coach was the best money could rent, and to his daughter’s chagrin, it was filled with boxes. Some were Christmas presents, but most were his wardrobe.

He had always gotten on famously with Mrs Bennet. She had been the most beautiful young woman in the county, and had she had the benefit of a London modiste, she would have been as fashionable as he. Everyone said she set the best table in all of Hertfordshire, and she would have done a great credit to him arranging the entertainments at Netherfield. She definitely had her priorities straight, but unfortunately she had been beneath him in status, and had only a five thousand pound dowry. Had he been less conscious of his position and his family’s history, he would have married her instead of letting his untitled best friend have the honour. Both would have been much more satisfied with their marriages had they married the other’s spouse, but Sir Walter’s circumstances had demanded a more prudent and pecuniary approach to marriage.

Despite his own history, the master of Netherfield had encouraged his son in his pursuit of Miss Bennet. It was really wrong to call it pursuit. They had attached themselves to each other as children, and it was useless to try to tear them asunder. Jane would not have brought money to the marriage, but she was the most beautiful young woman Sir Walter had ever seen. She would have ensured their line remained handsome throughout the next several generations.

On Christmas morning, during a most splendid breakfast organized by Fanny, Sir Walter answered Thomas Bennet’s question about the status of Netherfield. Mr Bennet had heard rumours around town that Mr Bingley did not plan to return. He asked for clarification.

“I have been assured the rent for Netherfield through next September, but I will be looking for another tenant after that. Mr Bingley is not even certain he will return to Hertfordshire before the end of the lease. I really should sell the estate and be done with it. I hate the idea of losing my ancestral home, but without a son, I do not see what difference it makes.”

Jane Bennet heard his words and knew she had, indeed, been abandoned. There would be no next time for her.

Mr Collins had no family or friends in attendance at his wedding. His acceptance into the Bennet family’s inner circle had changed him. For the first time in his life, he knew he had honourable people he could count on to aid him with life’s endeavours. His patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh stood out in marked contrast to this loving family. In only a few short months, he had come to realize she cared little for him or his flock. Before he came to Hertfordshire, he had been her most willing sycophant—one always agreeable to follow her advice on the most trivial subject. Debating with his beloved Mary had led him to remember that God’s work—and not the prestige of a good living—had been his calling; and he, unlike Lady Catherine, had studied diligently toward that end.

A wave of shame overtook Mr Collins as he waited for his beloved at the altar. He had not become a clergyman to style his hair to please his patroness, or make certain to plant bulbs for spring, at dawn on the morning after the first full moon in September. What superstitious nonsense! Looking toward the back of the church, he saw his Mary begin her walk toward the altar. Oh my, she was so beautiful and so very good and wise—he was the most blessed man on earth. Suddenly he remembered something Lady Catherine had suggested that was the most fortuitous of advice. As he waited to say the vows that would begin his new life, he joyfully prayed.

“Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to see the wisdom in Lady Catherine’s instructions to travel to Hertfordshire. Without her insight into the need for me to view the property I would one day inherit, I might never have written a letter proposing peace to my cousin. And on this most auspicious day, I am reminded of the other reason she had for my journey to Longbourn. How many times, dear God, had she condescended to advise me to marry as soon as I could, provided I chose with discretion.”

His lovely Mary was now by his side and with smiles for each other, they joined hands. Mr Collins finished his prayer with, “
Precious Lord, this is the woman I have selected. Together, we will bring your uplifting message of redemption through Jesus Christ to the worshippers of Hunsford parish.’’

Jane and Elizabeth, watched the ceremony beside each other. This wedding marked the end of their time together as the five Bennet sisters. Soon Kitty would be leaving, and Lydia would not be far behind. Elizabeth reached for her sister’s hand as tears of happiness mingled with those of bitterness.

At bedtime on Twelfth Night, Fitzwilliam Darcy tucked his son in bed and wished him “Happy Birthday” one last time.

He proceeded to his daughter’s room to kiss her good night. He noticed she seemed a bit subdued. “Bethany, what is the matter? Did you not enjoy Lew’s birthday party?”

“I did, Papa, but it does not seem fair he got a pony at four, and I had to wait till five. Is it because he is a boy?”

“No, Bethie, it is because he is taller than you were at four. Also, do you not think it will be great fun for the three of us to ride together every morning?”

“Yes, but it still seems wrong. Am I very short?”

“No, of course not… I am sure you are going to be much taller than your mother.”

“She was short?”

The words came out before he knew what he was saying. “Yes, she is quite petite.”

“Is?”

“I mean was.”

Bethany did not notice her father’s troubled look. She had gone back to thinking of the two ponies. “I told Lew he had to name his pony Little John. If my pony is Robin—his pony must be Little John. What do you think, Papa?”

Bethany noticed her father had that sad, faraway look he often wore… especially since he had come back from Mr Bingley’s. He said, “I think those are excellent names. We will have to wait until the weather is better to start riding each day. I am going to London next week, and I will meet you at your grandmother’s for Easter.”

“Why cannot we go with you?’’

“I have estate business to accomplish. I want you, Lew and Georgie to go to your grandmother’s early.”

“Oh, Papa, I would rather go to Aunt Cassie’s.”

Once again, his thoughts returned to her mother. Darcy knew his cousin was in residence at Elderton. A vision of Miss Elizabeth asking for his promise to prevent Bethany from even being alone with Edmund came to him. He could not ensure they were never alone if he was not there to prevent it, and he was determined to never doubt her or disrespect her mother again. For the first time since the day she made the request, he wondered why she had been so adamant. Did she fear something more sinister than the exposure of Bethany’s parentage? He would question Richard about his brother when they were together in Kent.

“Grandmama says I talk too much, and she wants Millie to do something with my hair so it will lie flat.”

Fitzwilliam looked horrified at the suggestion. “Bethany, you have the most beautiful hair. I must speak to Millie.” His face changed from horror to fury. “The reason she says you talk too much is because she wants to be the only one who speaks.”

Bethany stared at her father in disbelief. He had never been so disrespectful to her grandmother.

“I know it will not be very pleasant at Rosings, but Richard is coming with me. That should make you happy.”

Bethany’s smile lit the flecks of gold in her eyes. “Oh, goody, Cousin Richard. He always makes me laugh.”

40 WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Sir Walter Trent and Mr Bennet sat in his bookroom drinking brandy smuggled in from France. The Baronet had decided only the finest would do as a gift for his oldest and dearest friend. The proximity of Longbourn and Netherfield had brought the duo into acquaintance in their infancy, and they had remained almost like brothers for more than forty years. Though an odd couple, their companionship endured.

Sir Walter was accused of caring more for appearance than substance while Thomas Bennet often seemed detached from his responsibilities. Neither gave much of an outward show of being diligent parents, but both in their own way loved their children fiercely.

Walter’s only son had been named for his friend. Thomas would have reciprocated, except he had no sons, only daughters. The two men had rejoiced when their oldest children, Thomas Trent and Jane Bennet had attached themselves to each other at about the same age as their fathers. When Tom died from a trifling cold, it changed both men and much of the current state of both families could be traced back to that event.

Today, the two long time friends were engaged in a serious discussion of how best to secure the futures of Jane and Becky. Sir Walter considered Jane a second daughter, and felt concern for her odd reaction to Mr Bingley’s abandonment. She did not seem sad, as he would have expected, but instead had developed a very uncharacteristic edge of cynicism. For the first time, he could see an aspect of his friend’s personality coming through in his beautiful, serene daughter.

“Tom, I have written to Isabella to request she and Lord Hastings sponsor Becky and Jane for this Season. As you know, my sister’s daughters are married, and their house in town is quite fashionable. Rebecca would never participate by herself, but with Jane as her companion; I hope she can be persuaded to make an effort. She needs to marry, and honestly, I am most worried about our Jane.”

Sir Walter’s face registered contempt. “This Mr Bingley is only one of many fickle young men who swarm around quality folk these days. I am certain he is inferior to Jane in every way.” With a sneer he added, “I have never met any other with that name. It is the same as a very unfashionable town I once rode through in Yorkshire. It was filled with weavers. The only thing the young man has to recommend him is some cash.” He got a thoughtful look on his face and said, “His appearance did impress me… he wore a beautiful blue coat when we signed the lease agreement, and I must admit his hair was impeccably coiffed. ” Realizing he had digressed, he cleared his throat and got back to the topic at hand. “That reminds me, Elizabeth was looking much better this year. Should she be encouraged to go to London with Rebecca and Jane?”

Mr Bennet was amused at his friend’s lapse… no wonder he and Fanny were so close. Some day the world would allow couples to form based on affinity… however, he was not sure a marriage glued together by a shared fashion sense would keep food on the table. “No, despite her improved appearance, Lizzy is still adamant she will never marry.”

Sir Walter put on his most haughty face as he finished his thoughts on the upstart—a mushroom—who had broken his favourite’s heart. “You are a gentleman, and this Bingley’s family was in trade. London will allow Jane to be seen as the prize she is, especially now that you have increased her dowry. She deserves a young man of impeccable connections, and London during the Season is where they abound. I would not be at all surprised, if she returns home escorted by a viscount or maybe even an earl.”

Mr Bennet thought of his daughter Elizabeth, and was not sure a viscount was what he wanted for his eldest. However, he decided not to dispute his titled best friend. Jane needed something to divert her, and Walter’s plan presented little inconvenience to him as a remedy to her current confusion.