Chapter 16

That night at dinner, they learned that for some years, they might have had word of the Captain from their Uncle Gardiner, who joined them that evening with their aunt.

"I became reacquainted with Captain Goulding about four years ago, I would say. Just after the Battle of Kinburn," their uncle shared. "I remembered the boy from Meryton of course, but never thought to mention it. He came along with his friends, Captain and Mrs Wentworth, to discuss investing their prize money. Like Wentworth, he had a handsome fortune, and since investing half of it in your sister's enterprises and mine, they have done extremely well for themselves, well enough for both of them to purchase estates, which I believe they will do soon."

"To think all that time, he was connected to our family in even a small way, and we had no notion of it," Elizabeth marvelled.

"He is quite decorated. His performance overseas was impressive indeed. He distinguished himself at Azov, Bomarsund and Kinburn. His performance at Sevastopol ought to have won him a knighthood, though Admiral Croft confided to me that the powers that be neglected to confer one upon him because they disapproved of his lack of noble connections. Goulding and Wentworth were among the few captains not pensioned off at the end of the Crimean War, and had the conflict not ended, I should not have been surprised if they had not both been promoted to commodore."

"Elizabeth and I have dined with Captain and Mrs Wentworth. I liked them well, and I believe Elizabeth felt the same," said Darcy, and Elizabeth agreed.

"Well, it is wonderful to have news of him," Kitty added to all of this. "I hope he does call, though Mary and I will not likely be lucky enough to see him."

"Kitty spoke of the captain all evening as she made ready to come here for dinner," chimed in her husband. "He sounds like an amusing fellow. I am sure I speak for Fitzwilliam when I say it is always pleasant to meet another servant of Her Majesty, and I hope to make his acquaintance."

"I will certainly plan a dinner and invite you all, that is, if Lydia wishes it," Elizabeth promised.

"I have no objection," Lydia answered vaguely. Her mind had been unfocused all evening, unable to settle on any one train of thought.

*****

The following morning, Lydia prepared for her day as if it were any other. She had thought about it all night, and had decided she would not sit about pining. She had found very little rest, after a terrible dream recalling the day she learned that Dorian had been sent to the navy, and the months after when she had found reasons to call upon Ella Goulding almost daily to learn whether he had written. Ella had quite obviously felt horrible for Lydia, and wished more than anything that she could have given the poor girl better news, for Lydia was desolate all through the autumn and winter. The following year, when the regiment arrived, Lydia had made a vow to forget her beau, and threw herself into chasing officers, determined to prove that she no longer cared.

As she sat at breakfast with her family the next morning chatting with Diane and the twins about their plans, Elizabeth interrupted as she assisted her younger sons, four-year-old identical twins Julian and Marcus, who had joined the family little more than a year after Georgiana's wedding. "Are you still going out today? I thought you might wish to postpone your plans with the children."

"And risk my title as the favourite and most fun of aunts?" Lydia quipped. "Not in a hundred years." She winked at the twins as Richard and Anne giggled. "Diane and I promised Richard and Anne an outing to the museum, and an outing to the museum we shall have, shall we not?"

There was a chorus of agreement from the three elder children as Elizabeth looked at her sister. "I only thought-"

"I know, Lizzy," Lydia interrupted. "But if I sit about waiting, I shall run mad. I will keep to my diary. If he comes and I am out, I am sure you will receive him and ensure he knows when I can be found at home."

"I am told a lady does not like to seem too eager," said Darcy from behind his paper.

"Eager for what, Papa?" asked Anne.

"Eager to see her gentleman friend !" said Diane teasingly. "Aunt Lydia is in love with a naval captain!"

"Diane Marie Astley-Darcy, that is quite enough !" interrupted her mother. "And if you speak in such a manner again, you will not attend the theatre next month."

"But I thought-" Diane faltered.

"It is not only wrong and unpardonably impolite to speak in such glib terms about your aunt's private affairs, it is also monstrously unfeeling. I am sure you would not wish your family to tease you in such a manner. A lady should always seek to put her companions at ease in conversation, not make them uncomfortable or mortified," her mother continued sternly. "As dear Aunt Josephine would tell you, if you cannot think of anything appropriate to say, you will please restrict your remarks to the weather."

"A wise woman, is dear Aunt Dashwood. You would do well to heed her wisdom," advised Diane's stepfather in a well-meaning tone from behind his newspaper.

Elizabeth was usually a kind and understanding mother, but over the last two years, Diane had been at a headstrong age, and could occasionally speak thoughtlessly, or even worse, be purposely rude, and Elizabeth was determined to nip such behaviour in the bloom long before the girl began to spend time in society.

"But have you a gentleman friend?" ten-year-old Richard demanded.

"He is not a suitor, Richie. He is only our neighbour from when I was young," Lydia answered as vaguely, yet as truthfully as she could.

"But he is a naval captain? May I meet him? Has he been in many battles? What is his ship called?" Her nephew peppered her with questions typical of a boy as the family continued their breakfast.

"Your aunt's friend has distinguished himself in battle, Richard," his father answered him. "Your Uncle Gardiner knows more of the details. But remember what your Uncle Richard has taught you. Not all military men wish to speak of their experiences. It is possible you may meet him, if the opportunity presents itself. But you must remember not to ask him any impertinent questions. If he wishes to speak of his battles, he will do so on his own."

"Yes, Papa," the boy said intently. He took everything his father taught him seriously, and it warmed Elizabeth's heart, for her husband was an impeccable example to follow, and an incredibly loving and patient father. In a year, her boy would go to Eton, and Elizabeth teared up every time she contemplated the idea. The stories of the behaviours that went on at school were shocking, but the men in the family agreed, all boys must go in order to learn how to be among other gentlemen.

Lydia and the three eldest children left shortly after breakfast for their outing. The younger children, Rose, Julian, and Marcus were expecting a visit from their Brandon and Fitzwilliam cousins. Kitty and Mary arrived with their husbands and children not long after, everyone in anticipation of meeting Lydia's friend. Elizabeth and Darcy were in the drawing room with her sisters and their husbands late that morning when Captain Goulding was announced.

Kitty and Mary, being closer in age to the man, and knowing him far better than Elizabeth, took the lead in greeting him, both ladies embracing him as a long-lost brother, then reacquainting him with Elizabeth, and introducing him to their husbands. The man shook hands with the gentlemen amiably, the captain and colonels exchanging the typical questions usually posed by unacquainted military officers, sizing one another up, and instantly liking what they found.

Captain Goulding was lively and engaging, though he was grieved to have found Lydia from home. "Lydia could never bear to disappoint the children; she does dote on them. But we expect them back within the hour, Captain, and they will be ravenous after their adventure. Will you stay and join us for a family luncheon?" invited Elizabeth.

"If you are sure I would not be unwelcome, I would be honoured, Lady Darcy," the captain accepted gratefully, hoping that Lydia would be pleased to see him. He spent a pleasant hour getting reacquainted with her sisters, hearing of their mother and young brother, as well as tales of other friends from Meryton, and answering their numerous questions.

The adventurers returned, and the midday meal was served in the dining room. The captain was surprised that they were joined by the children, but enjoyed the comfortable atmosphere shared by the family. He had the good fortune to be seated with Lydia on his left and young Richard on his right. He answered polite but curious queries posed by everyone around the table about his years spent away from Meryton, then eventually looked down upon young Richard, who had stared at him wide eyed since he had sat down.

"Well young man, what are your interests? Most boys your age would have had my entire career from me by now," Goulding asked the boy politely.

"My Uncle Richard says that some officers prefer not to speak of their battles, sir. Papa says I must not ask impertinent or painful questions, but rather wait until you decide you wish to speak of it," the boy informed him solemnly.

"Your papa is a wise and kind man, Master Richard," Goulding replied kindly to the boy. "You are fortunate to have him to guide you. My papa was also a kind man, but I lost him when I was a boy. I wish he were still here to advise me often."

"My papa lost his father too, though he was a young man," replied Richard. "He must have found it very hard."

"I am certain he must have. Always be grateful for your father, boy," Goulding turned the conversation to his ship, informing the boy of his most recent ship's name, and other pertinent details, as well as some family friendly stories of battles he had been in, and voyages he had taken. Once young Richard had the captain's attention, he found it difficult to relinquish, though Goulding was able to enjoy a fair amount of conversation with the object of his interest as well.

Lydia was quiet, and unsure whether she wished to encourage Dorian. She had developed firm ideas over the years, about how she liked to live her life. She had not ruled out marriage, by any stretch, but had always thought it unlikely that a remarkable man who did not expect her to set her interests aside would ever appear to share her life.

It had been some time since Lydia had answered to anyone. With all of her gadding about the country, Elizabeth had acknowledged when Lydia was two and twenty that it was time to turn most of her sister's dowry over to her. "She is a busy young woman with a full life, I do not see how tying her to my apron strings until she is five and twenty will serve her," Elizabeth had said to Darcy when she had made the interest of the twenty-thousand-pound portion of the dowry that would always have provided Lydia's income available to her.

Elizabeth had also given Lydia leave to begin investing the ten thousand that would otherwise have waited for her marriage. With Elizabeth and her Uncle Gardiner's guidance, she had more than quadrupled that portion, though much of those profits had gone to Lydia's charitable and educational endeavours.

Lydia had become set in her independent ways, and she had no idea what Dorian expected, or what he might want in a wife now. She was unsure if she wished to change her habits enough to even find out. All these considerations went through her mind as she exchanged pleasantries under the scrutiny of everyone at the table.

*****

When Captain Goulding took his leave, Elizabeth penned an invitation to dinner in one week, and dispatched it to the street where Goulding had said the Wentworths leased a house. Then she sent out invitations to everyone else. Lydia wondered what her sister was playing at. Was it really necessary to invite the entire family? Apparently, it was. Aunt and Uncle Gardiner were coming, Antony and Arabella, Anne, The Matlocks, the Brandons, the Fitzwilliams, the Radcliffes, as well as a few other naval and military couples. Lydia would not have been surprised to learn that Elizabeth had sent to Sanditon for Mama, or to Meryton for Charlotte. Thankfully the Bingley clan rarely ventured south, for once Jane began breeding, she proved to be exceptionally fecund. Her second eldest sister had birthed her seventh child, Septimus Bingley, the previous year.

For three days after the luncheon, Captain Goulding called upon Pemberley House. The first two mornings, Lydia was not home. On Thursday, she attended a board meeting at Queens College. On Friday, she attended a lecture on the New Women's Movement. Captain Goulding was beginning to think she was avoiding him. Darcy assured him one day in the study when they shared a brandy that Lydia was set in her habits, and likely a little skittish after the captain's long absence.

He could hardly have expected her to just fall into his arms, Goulding had berated himself. Certainly, he had been sent away, but Lydia had been but fourteen, and had never heard from him again. It must have affected her profoundly. He could hardly have written to her, or even her father, but perhaps he should have kept touch with some of the young men in the neighbourhood, John Lucas, for example. Passing messages might have been a bit beyond the pale, but at least they might have had some word of one another.

Instead, he had written to his cousins, and never heard a word in return. William and Ella were good people, and had treated him as a younger brother while he lived at Haye Park, but he never received a response from either of them. Two years after he had been sent away and had passed his naval exams, when he had written again, to inform them that he was being assigned to a ship, he received the following reply from his uncle.

Haye Park

Hertfordshire, near Meryton

Boy,

All my life I never had a peaceful day when I was not compared to your father and found lacking, or when my boy William was not similarly imposed upon in your favour, until the death of your grandmother. It was no secret to anyone, your grandmother's favouritism, which she made no effort to hide, and every effort to share with the world as often as possible.

I gave you a home and an education in your youth when you required it. You are set on the path to manhood, and your future is assured, if perhaps not in the manner you preferred, but you will earn a respectable living. I consider my Christian and familial debt to you discharged, and request that you permit my family to live our lives with no further painful reminders of the past.

FG

It was true, Goulding reflected, that his grandmother had favoured him and his father over his uncle and cousin. There was no accounting for it, but Granny Demelza had openly disdained her eldest son and his children, while the sun rose and set upon her second son and his one and only progeny. He had loved her; how could he help but to love her? The doughty old woman who had showered him with affection and confidence in his youth. But he had never sought to single himself out above his cousin in any way and often sought to promote his good qualities. Indeed, William was several years older, and therefore more skilled at most things. It was William who taught Dorian to ride, to fence and shoot. To be a man. A kinder and more generous older cousin could not be found.

It never seemed to matter that he did not seek it. It rankled his Uncle Frank and made him irritable, and it never seemed to end. Demelza Goulding had made a comment that upset Frank Goulding nearly every single day, that much of his uncle's letter was true. He understood better now, the pain his uncle must have felt, though he had been unable to see past his own pain at nineteen, orphaned all over again, and alone in the world. When he was younger, he had been angry. Now he only felt pity for Uncle Frank, and though he missed his cousins and Meryton, he stayed away as his uncle had wanted.

In any case, he felt he needed a grand gesture for Lydia. He had an idea, a mad one, and he might have to call in every favour owed to him at the Admiralty to achieve it. But he was about to retire. He might as well use all of his favours all up for this, the greatest of causes. He visited the naval office and inquired of his admiral if he might obtain a private tour of the newest ship of the fleet.

"Of course not, man! We cannot have civilians on board Her Majesty's most glorious vessel!" The admiral boomed. "Who on earth were you thinking of?"

"I beg your pardon, it would be for Lord and Lady Darcy and their family," Goulding explained.

"Foolish boy! Lady Darcy's shipyard built the HMS Victoria, she was on it with Her Majesty when it launched early this month," The admiral chuckled.

"I realise that, but her children have not seen it, and she has a boy just the right age for such an outing who has a fair interest," Goulding informed him.

"Well, that might be your saving grace, Captain. Lady Darcy could probably get permission to tour it with her family if she chose, so perhaps your request might be kindly looked upon. She is also Her Majesty's particular friend, everyone knows that. Fill out a request, make it neat and orderly, and be detailed. It must pass through the Prime Minister first, then Her Majesty herself must approve it. It's her vessel, officially, until it is released into service."

Sweating a bit at the thought that his request would be reviewed by The Queen personally , Goulding included the information that was pertinent, and the names of those he thought Lady Darcy might wish to invite.

"Come back each day, until she replies," the admiral said as Captain Goulding saluted and took his leave.

Return each day he did, and there was an answer on the third day, which was the day of the dinner. The Wentworths had accepted Lady Darcy's invitation with alacrity, and Lady Darcy had been kind enough to include their guests, Admiral and Mrs Croft. Mrs Croft was Captain Wentworth's sister, and the ladies were looking forward to the evening.

*****

Never had a sailor taken such pains with his regalia as Captain Dorian Goulding that evening. He polished his boots until they fair gleamed, and he had to admit to himself that he had never looked finer than he did when he presented himself at the door of Pemberley House that night.

The company at Lord and Lady Darcy's house was well used to the company of officers. The Brandon and Fitzwilliam houses obviously had many friends in Her Majesty's service, and those friends were often around their tables, and Elizabeth's. It was a pleasant, informal evening, considering they were in the home of an earl and countess.

Lydia was stunning in an evening gown of white, with pearl drops at her ears, and a pearl choker with a lovely aquamarine pendant at her neck. She was overjoyed to introduce him to her best friend and sister by marriage. Mr and Mrs Radcliffe were there with Radcliffe's brother and his wife, Lord and Lady Berkeley, whom he surmised was also connected to Lady Darcy in some way.

"I am happy to meet you, Captain Goulding. Thank you for giving my sister the excuse to entertain. This is my first time out of the house in more than a month," Georgiana said pleasantly.

"Not quite the first time," her husband reminded her. "There was last week, when we attempted to go to your aunt's, but you could not stand it, and demanded to return home to Elizabeth."

"Oh! You would remind me of that, you beast! I am sure you make me look foolish indeed in front of our new friend!" Georgiana chided. She was excessively attached to her new daughter, who was named for Lady Darcy, the Dowager Lady Berkeley, and Lady Rose, and hardly let the babe out of her sight.

"Certainly not, madam. You have an affection for your infant that is very admirable," Goulding reassured her. "How does your daughter do today?"

"Oh, she's just the most darling! I admit that I fussed and worried today until my husband packed up the nurse and Elizabeth and brought them with us," Georgiana confessed.

"She's here?" Goulding laughed.

"Oh yes, in the nursery with her cousins," Lydia laughed with him. "Will and Vivian finally decided the best way to soothe Georgie's worries was to bring the child with them and stay the night, so they won't be out in the streets with Elizabeth at all hours."

"That will certainly make it easier for you to check on the young miss," Goulding acknowledged.

"She disappeared twice from the drawing room before you arrived," Radcliffe said dryly. "Do not think I did not notice!" he laughed at his wife when she gasped and swatted his arm.

"I can see why you count them among your closest friends," Dorian said to Lydia as the couple made their way over to Anne. "They seem to be happy, good-natured people."

"They are, and they were long overdue for their present happiness," Lydia agreed. "Georgiana was patient indeed while she waited for their blessing, but it was some years in coming. That is why the family is in town. We ordinarily might have headed north by now, but Georgiana wished to be in London, and near Mr Gibson, her town physician, for her confinement. The entire family agreed to spend Christmastide in town so as to be close to her. Though, now that Elizabeth is here, Georgiana worries the city is not good for her, so it is possible that we may decamp to Netherfield before it grows too much colder. Vivian says that the carriage must be heated well with hot bricks and foot warmers, which must be replaced at every village. It will likely take twelve hours to arrive in Meryton. Do not let Vivian fool you, he is just as much of a worry pot over the babe as Georgie is."

*****

Dorian was exhilarated to have the honour of escorting the object of his desire into the dining room, and was pleasantly surprised to hear his hostess encourage them to sit where they liked. Captain Wentworth and Admiral Croft and their wives looked surprised and delighted to see married couples sitting together, and quickly followed suit. Dorian found himself sitting at Lady Darcy's right, with Lydia on his right. Lady Berkeley was across from him on Elizabeth's left.

"Forgive our informal seating, Captain. We are a family of love matches, and the men enjoy sitting with their wives whenever they can manage it," Elizabeth said.

"Indeed, Lady Darcy, I find it charming, and I can see that my friends and their wives agree. I think it nonsensical that one spends so much time searching for the right mate, only to be separated by society immediately at events once you are wed. If I were married, I am sure I should find it maddening," answered Dorian.

"I wish I could abandon my post and sit with Lord Darcy, but alas, I am expected to sit here, and it gives me the opportunity to know you better," said Elizabeth. "Lydia tells me that you are studying Greek with Mr Carter. How are you finding your translations?"

"I make progress very well, your ladyship," Dorian replied. "Although I do not think I will return to Mr Carter. Perhaps Miss Bennet has better manners from him, but he does not seem to like me, and his remarks are offensive. I have no desire to force a man to teach me if he does not approve of the endeavour."

"Oh, but is he not that way with everyone? Lyddie, is that not what Will said?" Elizabeth asked her sister.

"It is, and he warned me that Mr Carter is known to be difficult and grouchy to everyone," Lydia returned. "I have not met with him alone yet. Our meeting last week was interrupted, but I return tomorrow."

"Perhaps I will return tomorrow as well then," Dorian mused. "I took his behaviour for prejudice, but if he is only cantankerous, I can accept it."

"I am sure that is all it is," Elizabeth assured him. "Will recommends him very highly, indeed. Have you studied any other languages, Captain?"

"I learned Greek and Latin at Eton, though my grasp of the Greek was not particularly strong. That is why I am seeking to improve it, as I would have done had I gone on to Cambridge. I learned French while in the Navy, though my accent needs work. It was useful, fighting on the same side, we were often thrown together with the French. It was also necessary to learn a smattering of Russian while abroad, though I do not consider myself learned in that language. Barely enough to interrogate a prisoner, really, though it might later be a good start towards a formal education in the tongue."

"Lydia has a facility with languages," Elizabeth informed him. "She did not begin until she was fifteen, but she excelled in French as if she had lived there all her days. She learned Italian with similar ease, though I believe she found German and Latin more challenging."

"That is impressive indeed, Miss Bennet. And you speak and translate them all fluently?" he asked. When Lydia blushed and acknowledged that she did, Dorian continued, "I have always educated myself as well as I could, but it can be difficult on board a ship. I suppose a captain has far more access to books than the lower ranking men, and I should have little to complain of, but I always regretted not going on to Cambridge."

"That is admirable, Captain Goulding. We all of us at Darcy House place great importance on education. Lydia spends a great deal of time on her studies, and is a member of several educational societies," Elizabeth said in return.

"Lizzy, you will make me appear a blue-stocking," Lydia objected, cheeks flushed.

"One could never call you a blue-stocking, Miss Bennet, you are far too lovely and fashionable," Dorian assured her.

Lydia looked at him in an appraising manner, "What think you of Feminism, sir?"

Dorian choked on his wine, surprised at such a question. Lady Darcy looked exasperated at her sister. He smiled and said, "I sense that I am being tested. If you are speaking of the New Women's Movement, I must truthfully say that having spent most of the last decade on board a vessel, and fighting in battles, I know little of what it is about. We sailors see women but rarely, for months on end sometimes, aside from other Captain's wives. It is a cause I shall have to learn more about, but I cannot see why women should not have more liberties. At least the ability to vote and be educated. Would it not be convenient for everyone in the kingdom to have some educated women about when we are at war and the men are all away? If our own Queen is worthy to lead us, why are other women not worthy to pursue their own endeavours? But as I said, I know little of the cause. I will have to pay careful attention to all sides of the argument when I have an opportunity."

"You believe women should vote?" Lydia asked in surprise. "What about married women? Would you wish for your wife to go about and do as she pleases, without your permission?"

"Miss Bennet, If I require someone to be obedient to me, I shall board my vessel and there is no lack of men there who are bound to my every command. The last place I should like to find subservience is in my marriage," he answered. "Officer's wives usually have a rather bolder nature in any case. Mrs Wentworth and Mrs Croft will tell you, when your husband is often away, or when it is wartime and a lady finds herself travelling in close quarters with her husband's men and must command their respect, she must be blessed with a resourceful and independent spirit. Though I plan to resign my commission, I would hope for no less in a wife."

He turned to Elizabeth. "Lady Darcy, may I call upon your family tomorrow? I have an invitation that I would like to deliver, and it would be well if Master Richard were present, for it will interest him greatly."

"See here, I am to be the favourite uncle!" objected Richard loudly from Darcy's end of the table, making everyone roar in laughter and Lydia's cheeks burn in mortification at his implication.

"And we must wait until tomorrow to find out what it is, oh the suspense!" Elizabeth laughed merrily. "Please join our family tomorrow for tea, Captain. Lydia should be returned from Mr Carter's by then."

"I believe I will attend my session with Mr Carter tomorrow," Dorian said, looking at Lydia. "If it would please you, Miss Bennet, it would be a privilege to wait for you, and escort your carriage home."

"Thank you, Captain Goulding, that would be pleasant," Lydia replied, her heart pounding. She did not even know if she wanted the man to pursue her, why was she so affected by him? It made her feel irritable, not being able to control her response to him. Lydia did not appreciate the sensation.

"You have mentioned an intention to soon resign your commission, Captain," Elizabeth said. "What do you intend to do next?"

"Well, I believe I always leant towards a scholarly disposition, Lady Darcy. It would make me very happy to buy a comfortable estate and to settle down with a family, and study in my spare time, though I have also considered settling in London for some years first and still might," Dorian answered. "Such a plan would certainly help with the studies I wish to undertake."

"Oh, do tell her about your plan to tour England, Captain Goulding," Mrs Croft interrupted from two seats down from Lady Berkeley. "I think it is a marvellous idea, the Wentworths should join you, for the same purpose."

"Mrs Wentworth might prefer to settle near Kellynch, and her family, my dear," her husband advised.

"No, she wouldn't!" quipped Mrs Wentworth from Darcy's end of the table, making the party laugh in amusement.

Dorian cleared his throat. "Mrs Croft refers to the fact that I am undecided about where my new estate should be, should I decide to purchase one. I am planning to travel about England for a while, as I decide where I would like to settle."

"You should ask Lydia," Elizabeth said thoughtlessly.

"Lizzy!" Lydia objected, scandalised by her sister's unrestrained speech.

Lady Berkeley, a handsome woman with striking auburn hair, covered her mouth and stifled a giggle. "Really, Lady Darcy, you must take care, you have become nearly as bad as Mrs Bertelli once was."

"I beg your pardon, Captain Goulding; I am not turned into my stepmother!" Elizabeth promised. "What I meant to say is that Lydia is very well travelled within England. She has advised on the opening of several large hotels and the decoration of many great houses."

"Mostly in cities and seaside resorts, Lizzy," Lydia objected. "Hardly what Captain Goulding is looking for, I am sure."

"Even seaside towns are surrounded by estates. Kitty's estate, Shannon View in Sanditon is the perfect example, of course. Just the thing for a naval man. A lovely country estate near the sea," Elizabeth insisted.

"Not for me, I am afraid, Lady Darcy," answered Dorian. "I had not thought about it until you spoke, and then I realised instantly, that is not for me. Wentworth or Admiral Croft, perhaps. I believe I have had enough of the sea. Perhaps a place with great woods, tall, proud forests, green, peaceful fields. Somewhere quiet."

"Derbyshire is what you want, then," Lord Matlock spoke up from Lydia's right. "No place finer."

"I find I cannot disagree with my uncle, Captain, but we are all biassed. More than half of the table has estates in Derbyshire." Elizabeth smiled.

"I must be sure to tour the area extensively, since you all recommend it so highly," Dorian replied cordially.

Elizabeth turned to her left, "Caroline, how does Jane do? Have you had any word from Charles?"

"I had a letter from Jane and Charles yesterday," replied Lady Berkeley. "It seems they are still waiting. Jane will arrange for their butler, Mr Mathers, to send us an express when there is news, otherwise if it were to be left to my brother, we should never decipher whatever message came."

"Is your absent sister married to Lady Berkeley's brother?" asked Dorian attentively. He was interested in the news of his old friends from Meryton.

Elizabeth and Lady Berkeley confirmed that Jane was, then Elizabeth and Lydia filled him in on more news of people from home. After some time, Lydia said pointedly, "You certainly might know all of this if you had written to anyone."

Elizabeth fell silent, shocked at her youngest sister's tone, which was rather accusatory.

"I wrote to my family," Dorian replied with an edge to his voice.

"Did you? That is not what Ella said," Lydia continued in a harsh tone.

"That is what I said," bit out Dorian warningly.

"Lydia, we have no notion of the goings on at Haye Park, nor should we expect to understand such a private matter. Let us not delve into the Gouldings' family affairs," Elizabeth said in a hushed tone. She had no wish to shush her sister, but Lydia sounded truly angry, and her line of questioning was obviously upsetting to the captain.

Lydia turned away to speak to Lord Matlock about the downfall of the Roman empire, a favourite subject of his that they had visited several times over the years. Lydia might never have sat next to an earl at any other table, but Elizabeth's informal dinners encouraged such odd pairings. The earl was often amused by Lydia's ideas and arguments, and Lydia often educated herself further on the topic in anticipation of their discussions. Elizabeth and Lady Berkeley kept Dorian engaged for the rest of the meal.

*****

When the ladies left them, Lord Matlock turned to Dorian and said, "You have her in quite a state, Captain. I've never seen Lydia behave so changeably."

"She was always changeable, when we were young," Dorian thought aloud.

"Not anymore. She sobered while she was separated from Catherine," Lord Matlock said.

"I did not realise they had been separated," Dorian replied, surprised.

"It's an old family scandal, I won't tell you the story. Do not ask Lydia, it upsets the ladies to speak of it. Darcy will tell you of it if you become close enough to the family to make it pertinent," evaded Matlock. "Leave it to say, that Bennet behaved infamously to his family, and the ladies suffered grievously for over two years. She's happier since her sister came home, but she has been a serious girl ever since."

"She is angry at me," Dorian said.

"Does she have a right to be?" asked Matlock.

"I am not sure," said Dorian. "I do not see how things could have been different."

"Just because it was not your fault, does not mean she was not still hurt," Matlock observed. "Not my place, more Gardiner's, or my nephew's, but I shall say it anyway. Do not drag it out for her and make her suffer. The only way to learn if you can put the past behind you is to talk it out straightforwardly."

"You are right, of course," Dorian acknowledged.

"Of course I am. Ah, my nephew is ready to rejoin the ladies. Never one to be parted from his wife for long, that boy," Lord Matlock said as he got to his feet.

"He is a lucky man," Dorian observed.

"We all are here, boy. Let us hope that you shall be lucky as well." Matlock clapped him on the shoulder.

When he returned to the drawing room with the men, Lydia was staring out the window. Dorian accepted a cup of tea from Lady Darcy, then took another for Lydia, and made his way across the room.

"You are angry with me," he said as he handed her the cup.

"I am not angry, I am-" Lydia stopped short and sighed, and was quiet for a long moment. "You could have written."

"You were fourteen ," he protested. He looked over and saw that several of the party were watching their conversation as if it were a drama. "We cannot do this here, but we must talk. Do you still wish for me to escort you home tomorrow?"

Lydia was quieter still, but finally answered, "I do not wish you not to."

He smiled and brought her hand to his lips, "For now, that is enough."

*****

Elizabeth predictably wished to speak with Lydia after their guests had gone home. "Lydia, if you were angry at him, you should have told me, before I had a dinner party. You said you had no objection."

"Nor did I, Lizzy, but please grant me the concession that this is difficult for me, and my feelings might be complicated!" Lydia retorted. "And heaven and earth, when did you become Mama? I thought you did not care if I married!"

"I do not!" Elizabeth insisted

"You have a very queer way of acting like it!" Lydia cried in distress.

"I admit I had a slip of the tongue, but it was not intentional," replied Elizabeth. "I do apologise if I mortified you. Though I do hope you will give me some clear idea in the future whether you wish me to include him in invitations in the future."

"I truly have no objection, as long as you are not making a spectacle of me, Sister. That is what I object to. The expectations, and being a drama for everyone at the table, and in the drawing room, and being the butt of Richard's jokes!" Lydia answered, exasperated. "Lizzy, Dorian told me he loved me when I was a silly, ignorant fourteen-year-old girl, and he was a seventeen-year-old boy who expected a future much like that of Uncle Phillips. In case you have not noticed, I am no longer silly, nor ignorant, nor fourteen. And he has been away at sea for years, in battle and in danger, killing, commanding, and interrogating men. Even if he were the same person, who is to say I have become what he now seeks in a wife? These are all big ifs, Lizzy, to be under the scrutiny of so many people, and with such expectations created by my own family. I do not need you to promote me to a suitor. I am charmed to think that you were so excited for me, but if I am to marry at this advanced age, I would prefer it to be to someone who appreciates my good qualities without them being advertised in The Times."

"I am sorry, Lydia, I did not think of those considerations." Elizabeth apologised. "I promise that I will not promote you anymore, but you must realise that I am occasionally going to speak of your talents and good qualities. You are my sister; I am proud of you."

"I thank you, Lizzy," Lydia yawned as she stood and made her way to her sister's door. "I must leave you, I am exhausted, and your husband must be wanting you."