Goodly Creatures: A Pride and Prejudice Deviation (77 page)

We are leaving for Pemberley in a few days, but are already making plans for our trip to Hertfordshire for all the delightful weddings in September. Once again we will make the trip with Dr Wilder, and possibly even his mother and Mr Davies, as well as all the Reynolds family. Sir Gareth has other family that will be travelling the distance with us as well.

Our time at Pemberley this summer will be pleasant, but routine, with the midsummer picnic the only notable event. I wish you could be here to enjoy it with us. Maybe next year.

See you in September, my love.
Will

Elizabeth folded the letters and pictures and put them in her pocket. Every few hours, she took them out to peruse again. She decided she would write Georgiana, and include a note for Will. She began the process by taking a walk to plan what to include. She determined she would write Lewis and Bethany their own letters. Perhaps she could persuade Kitty to do some drawings. Lewis would surely like a picture of a horse and prone rider galloping across the meadow from the prospect of Oakham Mount—the way she had seen his father both the first and last day he was in Hertfordshire. Bethany might enjoy a picture of Caliban standing sentinel next to Lizzy while she played her Irish whistle.

53 SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES

Upon Lizzy’s arrival, Lydia had enthusiastically greeted her sister with the news that Charlotte had sought permission for her to spend time in Brighton with Maria. The militia was scheduled to leave in two days time for an encampment there, and the young women would travel a fortnight later.

Charlotte extended an invitation to Lizzy as well, but was not surprised when she refused. Her friend had returned to Hertfordshire preoccupied with some quandary. Mrs Forster quickly turned her attention to reassuring Elizabeth she would provide a delightful but safe experience for her sister. With her next breath, she revealed the true motive for the request when she explained how invaluable Maria and Lydia would prove now that she was once again with child.

Elizabeth surprised her friend with the intelligence that she knew Colonel Fitzwilliam and Colonel Bledsoe would be joining the Forsters in Brighton.

Her explanation for her knowledge was much abbreviated, and went into none of the excitement of her dealings with the Colonel. “I met Mr Darcy’s cousin in Kent while visiting Mary and Mr Collins. He holds you and Colonel Forster in high esteem, and he also seems very proud to be the godfather of young Billy.”

“Yes, we will be a merry group. Colonel Bledsoe is bringing his fourteen year-old sister, Sarah. Their parents are deceased, and he has her in a very fine school for young ladies. Once I told him about Maria and Lydia possibly visiting, he thought it would be a good time to give her a bit of a holiday as a birthday present. She will be turning fifteen while in Brighton.” Her face drifted as she captured a memory. “I understand from Colonel Bledsoe, his sister is very naive and looks quite childlike… much like you at that age… I mean looking childlike, not being naive.”

Charlotte did not see the flash of disquiet her reminiscence evoked. “I am certain the young ladies will delight in sea bathing, and there are events at the assembly halls and frequent fireworks displays to enjoy as well.”

Elizabeth asked the question that had been bothering her since she heard of the decampment of the militia. “Is Mr Wickham going to Brighton?”

“Yes, while it is true he has accumulated debts, so far he is not guilty of anything that would warrant his being discharged. It was made clear he is expected to repay his obligations. Your father and my father provided an accounting of all the merchants in Meryton who are owed, and Lawrence will ensure he sends regular remittances from his pay. In addition, he will be carefully watched with regard any young ladies that capture his attention.” Charlotte gave Elizabeth a curious look as she added, “Colonel Fitzwilliam was also quite interested in whether Mr Wickham would be in Brighton.”

Elizabeth decided on a chatty letter about Lydia’s trip to Brighton for Georgiana. She made no reference to Mr Wickham. Bethany and Lewis should receive identical notes thanking them for their pictures, and telling them they were missed. The actual ache and longing she felt without them would be omitted. Kitty was pleased to make the required drawings to include with the correspondence. Her message to Will was folded and sealed inside the pages for Georgiana, Bethany and Lewis.

Dearest Will,

I know that feeling of dying a little inside. The anxiety I feel at being separated from you, Bethany, Lewis and Georgiana is a truly diabolical form of torture. The knowledge that I am the designer of the torture does not make it any less painful. Unfortunately, I am not ready to confront my misgivings just yet. Please do know that I think about your words of assurance often.

It is my hope this reaches you in London before you leave for Pemberley. Please write to me all the details of your midsummer picnic. I pray there are no episodes of public nakedness this year.

My sister Lydia will meet Colonel Fitzwilliam next week. She is going to Brighton for a month to help Mrs Forster, and be a companion to Maria Lucas and Colonel Bledsoe’s sister, Sarah. Lydia is in a flutter of anticipation. This is her first time away from home by herself. I am happy for her, but I must have a talk with her about trusting new acquaintances. I know she seems very forward, and is much too loud and boisterous, but she is so much less naive than I was when I went to London. I will tell her to trust Richard with any concerns she has about any of the officers whose acquaintance she makes.

I believe it is a good sign that I think about being in your arms almost constantly. Have I ever told you how delightful you smell?

See you in September, my love.
Elizabeth

Elizabeth went to Lydia’s bedroom the night before she was to leave for Brighton. “Lydia, I want you to know, I hope you have the most wonderful time in Brighton. I will think of you often with envy. Sea bathing must be a truly marvellous experience, and I have even heard it is good for your health.”

“Oh, Lizzy, I am going to have such a delightful time, I just know it. Besides sea bathing, there will be assemblies, fireworks and oh, so many officers.”

Elizabeth smiled at her sister’s enthusiasm. “Yes, I understand you are to meet Colonel Fitzwilliam and Colonel Bledsoe. I met Colonel Fitzwilliam in Kent, and he is a most agreeable gentleman. I am certain Colonel Bledsoe will be equally as pleasant an acquaintance. I understand the three colonels have been best friends for more than ten years.”

“Oh yes I am on pins just thinking about making their acquaintance. Colonel Forster says that both love to laugh and enjoy telling stories of their adventures. Did you know Colonel Fitzwilliam was in Spain?”

“I did know and heard some marvellous stories of his adventures. Lydia, do not tell Papa, but I am going to give you a note to give to Colonel Fitzwilliam. I want him to know you are my sister, so he will watch out for you, just in case you need a protector.”

“Oh Lizzy, do not be silly. What could happen with all those officers around to protect me?”

“I know, Lydia, I am just being a nonsensical, overprotective, big sister, but please humour me. I have something I want you to take with you.” Lizzy had brought the silver dagger wrapped in a beautiful paisley shawl she had bought in London that Lydia had admired several times since she arrived home. She unwrapped the knife and handed it to her sister.

Lydia got a look of wide-eyed apprehension at the weapon and asked, “Lizzy, who do you think I am going to encounter in Brighton… French spies?” She picked up the knife and admired the filigree handle. “This is beautiful, but it is also very sharp. It could be quite deadly to an attacker. Where did you get it?”

“Aunt Gardiner’s father got it for me for protection during the journey from Derbyshire home.” Lizzy waited for Lydia to digest that bit of information before she forged ahead. “I have one other piece of advice for your protection. A kick to a man in the region between his legs will be extremely painful.” Lizzy demonstrated the exact spot and then continued, “I know you will meet only delightful people in Brighton, but I still think it prudent to have some protection when you go out in the world. Keep the knife in your reticule at all times. My note to Colonel Fitzwilliam will ask him to instruct you how to use the dagger.”

“Lizzy, you are the best and wisest sister a girl could ever have. May I take the shawl as well? You know it will probably get chilly at night.” Lydia grinned at her older sister.

With a giggle, Elizabeth answered. “Of course, Lydia, you may take the shawl. I would not want you catching cold.” The sisters hugged, and Lizzy left to pen the note to Colonel Fitzwilliam.

Longbourn, Hertfordshire
3 May 1812
Dear Colonel Fitzwilliam

This note is an introduction to my youngest sister, Lydia. She is but fifteen, but as I am sure you can see, she looks much older. She is quite forward, and I think if you observe her closely, you might see some similarities in her personality to Bethany’s. They both have the bad habit of not waiting for proper introductions. However, she is quite level headed, and saw through Wickham, minutes after meeting him. My request is twofold. First, watch out for her. Nothing like what was required to protect Jane, but just observe what the three young women are doing. I want her to have fun… is not that what young girls want? My second request is that I gave her a knife for protection, and I have told her I will ask you to teach her how to use it.

I hope you enjoy your reunion with your comrades in arms. The three of you should be prepared to regale these impressionable young women, who will be in your company with tales of your many adventures. Lydia will definitely love your stories. Someone should write a novel about the adventures of three gallant men in the service of their king. I think it could be quite entertaining.

Thank you, for all the many kindnesses you have shown my family.

Elizabeth Bennet

Lydia, Maria and Sarah did indeed have fun and the three colonels told the most marvellous stories of Denmark, Portugal, Spain, and Colonel Bledsoe had even been to the Caribbean and the Americas. Lydia thought Colonel Bledsoe was the most pleasing man of all those she had ever met. He loved to dance, he was forever laughing, and to Lydia he told the best stories of the three. He had an abundance of hair that was exactly the same glossy dark brown colour as hers. A strong and muscular body and eyes like nuggets of coal added greatly to his appeal. Lydia did not think she had ever met anyone with eyes so dark and piercing or an officer who did such justice to the cut of his uniform. Within a week of meeting him, she was sure she was in love.

He and Colonel Fitzwilliam had taught her how to use Lizzy’s knife. Their main advice was to be bold if she was forced to strike. They said her height was an advantage, and complimented her on her strength and lack of timidity. Colonel Fitzwilliam chuckled when he told her how her natural forwardness was advantageous in this situation. They pointed out the spot on the attacker’s left side where she could avoid the rib cage and get through with an upward thrust right into his heart.