Chapter 17

The following day, Captain Goulding was leaving Mr Carter's home as she arrived. "Would you walk with me in the park across the street when your session ends? We might have some much needed conversation before we return to Pemberley House."

Lydia agreed, then went into the house and gave the maid her pelisse. She greeted Mr Carter pleasantly, and took a seat in the small parlour at a table with writing implements. The man made no pleasantries, only immediately began speaking of the Greek language, and familiarising her with the basics. The session continued uninterrupted for a half hour, and Lydia made an utter ninny of herself in her distraction.

Finally, the old man turned and said exasperatedly, "Darcy said you were a prodigy, or I would never have wasted my time. Are you certain you speak four languages?"

"Five actually, if you include English," answered Lydia ruefully. "I beg your pardon for my distraction, Mr Carter. I do not know what has come over me."

"Of course you include English, girl! And believe me, I know what ails you ," the old man cackled. He rang the bell, and sat in a comfortable looking chair, inviting her to leave the table and do the same. A few awkward moments passed before the maid entered with a tea tray and poured for them. When she left, the man stirred his tea and eyed her. "So, did he call?"

"Did who call?" asked Lydia, surprised by the question.

"Do not play coy, girl! You know who!" Mr Carter thumped his cane insistently.

Lydia raised an eyebrow. "He did," she acknowledged with a brief nod.

" Of course he did. He would have to be an idiot not to, and over-puffed he may be, but your captain is no idiot. I am sure he's pacing outside waiting for you as we speak. He was nearly as distracted as you were today," Mr Carter observed.

"I beg your pardon, but he is not my captain," Lydia objected.

"He certainly is," Mr Carter asserted. "So, what's the tale? Did he abandon you to go sailing? A cursed courtship?"

"We were too young to be courting when we were parted," Lydia said softly.

"Ah, Romeo and Juliet," Mr Carter said.

"I certainly hope not," Lydia replied in mild but amused outrage.

"So, you are intelligent, then," He cackled again. "Will you encourage him?"

"I have not decided," Lydia admitted.

"Even smarter than I gave you credit for." Mr Carter added a biscuit to his saucer.

"Do you think I should rebuff him, then?" Lydia asked, wondering why she cared what her Greek tutor thought of her potential courtship, but Mr Carter seemed exceptionally intuitive, and she was curious to hear what he might say.

"I did not say that!" Mr Carter put down his cup. "Why would you rebuff him? I just said a moment ago that he was not an idiot. There is not a lot of that going around. I meant you ought not encourage him too quickly. He is puffed up as it is, and you are a prize. Do not make it too easy for him!"

"If I were going to marry only for intelligence, I would have done so years ago," Lydia said.

"I like you more and more every minute!" Mr Carter smiled widely, pouring more tea into his cup. "But do not confuse an excess of education for intelligence. There are few truly intelligent men about."

"You are awfully friendly to me for someone my brother and Captain Goulding described as-"

"Yes?" He straightened up in his chair, eager to hear the reports of his character by his pupils.

"Hmmmm…"

"Out with it, girl, what did they call me?" He thumped his cane insistently.

"Impoli-"

"Impolite?" he gasped, "What else?"

"Difficu-"

"Difficult? Shocking! Go on!" he encouraged, sitting up straight on the edge of his chair.

"Sometimes offensive," Lydia finished timidly.

"Only sometimes? I shall have to push the good captain harder," he crowed. "You mustn't listen to those idiots. Why would I be polite to them? You're pretty ." He grinned at her.

"You are only marginally polite to me!" Lydia protested, laughing at the man's cheek.

"And that's leaps and bounds kinder than I am to anyone else, save Edna, the maid. She has had a hard enough time, no point being cruel to her, she cannot fight back," he answered, eyes twinkling.

"But you expect me to fight back?" she asked, unable to stop her laughter.

"Oh, I do hope so! How amusing that will be! You may yet end as my favourite pupil!" he chortled.

"Who is your current favourite?" Lydia inquired as she took another biscuit from the tray.

"Your brother, but if you ever tell him, I shall say you are lying," Mr Carter confided. "Truly, Darcy is a marvellous man. I do not hold with nobility and all that, but if anyone deserved elevation, it was he. I am told that your sister is a remarkable woman as well, he is certainly still singing her praises after all these years, but we won't speak of her today. Your young man has waited long enough."

He stood up to ring the bell. "Run along now, and finish those translations before you return. Come on Wednesday instead, next week. Cannot have you distracted and thinking about him waiting outside every week. He can court you on his own time."

*****

Captain Goulding was waiting as expected when Lydia stepped out of Mr Carter's door. Lydia instructed Jemima to wait in the carriage and read her book while they strolled in the park, then took his arm as they crossed the street.

Once they had strolled to a quiet location, Lydia looked up at him. "So, will you tell me what the invitation is for, or must I wait?"

He laughed nervously, "It is as much for Master Richard as for you. That would hardly be fair to your poor nephew."

"Do not think I do not know what you are about," said Lydia playfully. "You seek to use my affection for my nephew to gain my attention."

"I will not deny that Lady Darcy did mention that you dote on the children," Dorian acknowledged. "But I enjoyed my discussion with Master Richard very much, it is my pleasure to undertake any little kindness on his behalf. Besides, can you blame a military man for using every weapon in his arsenal?"

Lydia said nothing in reply, and was quiet as they walked on. Eventually, he stopped and turned to her. "All right then, let me have it."

"Let you have what?" asked Lydia in confusion.

"Miss Bennet, it is obvious that you are angry with me, and your sister's table is not the best venue to discuss it. Air your grievances," Goulding said gently.

"Why did you not write? Why did you not write to Ella and William?" Lydia demanded.

"I did so many times. I ceased two years after I was sent away at the demand of my uncle," Dorian explained.

"But why?" Lydia insisted.

"I cannot say without relaying family matters that would grieve my uncle to have discussed with anyone, and it is not my intention to cause my uncle grief or unhappiness," Dorian replied firmly.

"But you never wrote to anyone!" said Lydia, exasperatedly.

"I could not without causing awkwardness for my uncle amongst his neighbours. Imagine how awkward it would be in the neighbourhood if it were known that I corresponded with John Lucas, but not my own family? I hope you will acknowledge that I could hardly have asked John nor any other to pass messages to a young girl barely even out. You and I only ever came into contact at private events at our neighbours' homes and one assembly. Any attempt at communication could have ruined you, and all your sisters. I could not even begin a correspondence with your father. It would have been inappropriate in the extreme to have begun a conversation with such a young girl in mind. You have every right to your feelings, but I hope you will absolve me of wrongdoing. I cannot fathom how else I might have behaved."

Lydia stared at him with fire blazing in her eyes for a long moment, before her shoulders sagged. "Of course, it was neither of our faults, we were too young; too unlucky," she acknowledged grudgingly. "Have you ever wondered how we were struck by such rotten luck?"

"Often I lay awake and wonder why we were so cruelly treated by fate," He agreed. "Of course, I imagined that you forgot me, just as my family had. I had to believe that, for the idea of you in misery was torture to me."

Lydia took a deep breath, "We must concede that after such a long separation, that we must have both changed greatly, and to rush back into our acquaintance with the same hopes when we are both such different people, would be folly."

Goulding smiled sadly. "I have not changed."

"Of course you have," Lydia insisted, "It would be impossible for you not to have changed after all your experiences. In any case, I can assure you that I am very different. My expectations of a husband are so opposite to what I wanted at fourteen, as to be unrecognisable as the same person. As a matter of fact, over the last few years, I have been unsure if I even desire a husband at all."

"Are you so entrenched in your New Women's Movement that you are completely against the institution?" he asked her.

"No. I have no objection to marriage," she answered as they walked along the path together. "I have only had many opportunities opened to me by my sister and her generosity, and thus I have become accustomed to a level of independence most men could never tolerate in a wife. I enjoy my life very much as it is, and while I would welcome the addition of a husband and children, I have my own interests. I have never met a man other than my brother Darcy who can stomach so much spirit and individuality in a woman. Jane is an entirely pliant and obedient wife who rarely leaves Derbyshire. Kitty and Mary are only slightly more spirited, and though their husbands are doting and tolerant, only Lizzy is a truly independent spirit besides myself."

"So, you are looking for a man willing to fit into your life, instead of a man who expects you to conform to his," Dorian replied.

"I had not considered it that way, but I suppose perhaps I am," Lydia admitted. "Not looking, precisely. I am content indeed already, but if such a gentleman appeared, I would give the matter careful consideration."

"You have changed," he smiled. "Twelve years ago, you would have run away with me to Gretna on a whim just to be the first among your sisters to marry."

"Since my sisters are already married, that would hardly be worth the undertaking, now," Lydia returned.

"Well, I feel most fortunate at this very moment," He boasted as they walked along the edge of the small pond in the park.

"And why is that?" Lydia inquired, heart pounding.

"It has never before seemed fortunate that I had not much of a private life before, but at this moment, I feel blessed that I have no settled life for you to fit into, and instead am entirely at liberty to fit myself into yours, if we choose." He smiled down at her.

" If we find ourselves compatible," Lydia insisted, "And I warn you that at six and twenty, I am in no hurry to be married. I will take my time deciding, and if I were to accept even a proper courtship, it would be after some time, when we know each other far better."

"May I call upon you?" he asked gently.

"You may," Lydia agreed, "that may however, present our first obstacle."

"And what would that be?" he asked, beaming down at her.

"Meryton," She answered simply. His smile disappeared as if all the light had been doused from the world. "I have no desire to press a confidence from you that you are not ready to share, nor do I wish to cause unhappiness for you or Mr Goulding," she continued, "The fact remains, however, that all branches of my family gather in Hertfordshire often. Elizabeth owns Netherfield, and it is a convenient location for everyone to assemble when we have been travelling south.

"Indeed, at Georgiana's request this morning, the family is preparing to leave for Netherfield by next week, before it grows any colder. While the Fitzwilliams and Brandons will head north after the festive season, the rest of us will remain in Hertfordshire until spring. I suppose that if you remain in town, we might see one another once a week, when I take the train to visit Mr Carter. I hate to abandon my lessons so soon, so I will likely keep my appointment. Perhaps I might stay with my Aunt Gardiner once a week."

She stopped and turned to him and said, "I enjoy spending time with my family a great deal, and I anticipate my visits home. I cannot see how we might pursue a closer connection than friendship if you have an aversion to the village or its society."

"I suppose that is understandable," he conceded, pulling off his hat and running a hand through his incredibly dark hair. "I have no aversion to the village or its society, but rather my uncle has an aversion of me . I hope you will forgive me if I defer an explanation for a future conversation." Lydia nodded as he paced back and forth before her. "I will not let it stop me from following you to Meryton, though I ought to write to warn him of my coming."

Suddenly John approached them and said, "Miss Bennet, forgive me, but Jemima fears you may have forgotten the time. You will fair miss tea if you do not start back soon."

Lydia was shocked by how much time had passed since they had entered the park, but the pair thanked the footman, then hastened to the carriage. Dorian handed Lydia up to join her maid, then mounted his horse to follow them.

They were late indeed when they reached Pemberley. Poor young Richard had nearly given up on them when they arrived apologetically in the drawing room, and each accepted a cup of tea and a plate of sandwiches and cakes from Elizabeth.

The entire family was present when Dorian spoke, "Lady Darcy, I am certain this is a privilege that you could easily obtain for yourself, but after acquainting myself with your son, I took the liberty of securing a private tour of the HMS Victoria for your family and any guests you wish to include."

Richard capered about cheering at the idea of viewing the world's largest warship. Darcy and Elizabeth were very appreciative at the thoughtful gesture towards their family. They settled upon a day late the following week, just two days before the family was due to leave for Netherfield. Dorian requested a pen and paper and sent a note straight off to the admiral, reserving the afternoon in question.

Finally realising what an active woman Lydia was, Dorian made certain to memorise her diary for the rest of the week, and arranged to escort her as often as possible on her outings. He accepted an invitation to escort her to a meeting of one of her educational societies, and a lecture at the Royal Academy. Elizabeth promised to obtain invitations for himself, as well as the Wentworths and Crofts to a few private evening entertainments that the Darcys were committed to. When he arrived home that evening, he sent the following letter to Haye Park.

Piccadilly

London

Sir,

I have done my best to respect your wishes these ten years, and have kept my distance. Now, however, I find that personal business will bring me to Meryton late next week for an extended stay. It is likely that I will let a house in the vicinity for the winter, but I fear that if I turn up by surprise and take rooms at the inn in the interim, that it could cause potential embarrassment to the family.

My visit to the area is unavoidable, and may be of some duration, and so I write to give you the opportunity to share whatever tale you wish with the neighbourhood.

My apologies if this causes you pain,

Capt. D Goulding

The days passed quickly, Dorian and Lydia spending as much time in each other's company as possible, learning about everything that had happened to the other during their time apart. Darcy had apprised Dorian of the scandal of Mr Bennet selling Kitty, and Dorian was properly appalled. He was amazed at Mrs Brandon's ease in company considering her experiences.

Dorian accompanied the family to the opera, and Lydia translated for him as he marvelled at her facility with the Italian language. It was true that she had changed greatly. Lydia Bennet was certainly not the carefree girl he had loved in Meryton, and this brought him to the startling realisation of how correct Lydia had been. He did not feel any different, but it was obvious that he must have changed greatly as well. Now that he thought back, he realised how unsuitable a wife Lydia would make for him if she had not changed at all, and he married her now. It was fortunate that their prospective maturity had continued to incline themselves to one another.

*****

The family and a number of friends toured the HMS Victoria as a party two days before they were due to leave London. Her Majesty stated that any guests Elizabeth wished to include would be acceptable, so Elizabeth invited the Gardiners, the Brandons, the Fitzwilliams, the viscount and his family, and Lord and Lady Matlock, as well as the Wentworths, and Admiral and Mrs Croft. All of the children, boys and girls alike, were in high spirits, but Richard and his cousins Philip and Reginald were particularly excited to tour the ship.

The children were strictly kept in check by their parents as the tour was conducted by the ship's captain, for everyone's safety. No one wished for any accidents, and so the guests were very respectful and followed all of the captain's requests. The warship was incredible. At nearly seven thousand tons, and with one hundred and twenty-one guns, eight boilers, and able to reach speeds of up to twelve knots, she was every captain's dream ship. The captain was particularly solicitous of the boys, and served as their personal guide, answering every question with infinite patience.

When the tour was completed, afternoon tea was served in the captain's dining quarters. Elizabeth chatted with the captain, whom she knew well, while Darcy and his uncle spoke to one another and to Captain Wentworth and his wife. Suddenly there was a great deal of noise and shuffling above decks, then, before the captain could go above to see what it was all about, a Royal Page entered and announced, "Her Majesty, The Queen Victoria, and His Royal Highness, Prince Albert."

Everyone gasped as the queen entered the room and everyone bowed low. "Good afternoon, Lady Darcy, we were out for a drive, and I took it into my head to see how your son likes my new ship," said The Queen as she and Elizabeth greeted one another affectionately. Four servants laden with large boxes entered the room behind them.

All eyes were on young Richard as he bowed low to the queen, "She is a magnificent warship, Your Majesty," he said, eyes shining. "Thank you for allowing us to visit."

"I am glad you think so, Master Richard, and you are quite welcome." The Monarch smiled kindly. "My husband and I have brought a gift for you and your cousins. For you, Master Richard, a large wooden replica of this ship. For your cousin Reginald, a replica of the Russian ship Retvizan. And for your cousin Master Phillip, a replica of the French ship Bretagne, each with a full complement of soldiers."

The boys cheered and bowed again as they enthusiastically thanked the queen for her kindness. The Queen informed Elizabeth that they had made the same for her own children, and that these were extras made by the craftsman. Not wishing to leave the younger children out, they were each gifted with a thaumatrope, one of the most popular toys among children all over England. Not wishing to overshadow her guests' visit, the Queen and her husband kindly prepared to take their leave, though not before The Queen requested that Captain Goulding be made known to her.

He bowed low as the presentation was conducted. The queen said, "We have been apprised of your valour in battle, Captain Goulding, and that perhaps you were not as well recognized for it as you ought to have been. Such loyalty and valiant service to the Crown and her Navy, combined with your goodwill and kindness towards the friends of Her Majesty and The Kingdom, conducted with no expectation of reward, has rightfully earned our greatest respect." She turned to her husband and glanced down at his sword, which he quickly presented to her.

Everyone gasped as The Queen spoke again, "To all here present, know that Captain Dorian Goulding, having been recognized for honourable service to The Crown and its friends, is hereby recognized as a Distinguished Knight. Please kneel and receive your knighthood." Dorian knelt on his left knee facing Her Majesty in wonder and shock. Once he was in position, The Queen touched each of his shoulders lightly with the tip of the sword and said, "I dub thee, knight. Arise, and be recognized."

He rose, then bowed and thanked Her Majesty and her husband, who took their leave of Elizabeth; Her Majesty whispered loudly to Lydia as she made her exit, "Miss Bennet, I highly approve."

Lydia blushed as the Queen and her retinue left the room, and suddenly Colonel Fitzwilliam spoke up, "Lord, Goulding, you will stoop to anything to impress a girl." The entire party broke into laughter, even Lydia, mortified as she was. She would have to ask Mary to persuade her husband to hold his tongue.

She was feeling very sensitive to the behaviour that was upon them, knowing it was about to be increased dramatically when they arrived in Meryton. Dorian Goulding was returning to Meryton with a fortune, and now a knighthood; the matrons would be mad with determination to catch him for their daughters. Once everyone determined that he was there to court her, the gossip and scrutiny would be nigh on unbearable, particularly considering that Lydia intended a very long courtship indeed.

All of the gentlemen were quite in awe of the wooden ships gifted to the boys by the queen. The boys were in a rage to go home immediately and declare battle, but their fathers declared that obviously they could not play so roughly with such a gift from Her Majesty. Darcy had learned the name of the craftsman that had made the ships from Prince Albert before they left, and Darcy would commission another identical set of ships and soldiers for the boys to play with. A gift from the queen must be kept safe and preserved, for it was a great compliment to the family. The boys were willing to wait a little longer to play with such delights. Darcy and the men all agreed that it was highly unfair that Nathaniel Bingley, who was of an age with his cousins, should not receive a ship merely because his family had not visited London on this occasion, and so Darcy would order a ship for Jane and Charles' boy as well. After several hours of debate by the men and their sons, they decided on the Spanish warship Rey Don Francisco.

Elizabeth had imposed greatly upon her cook when she arrived home after teatime with a request to add fourteen people to their dinner table for a celebratory meal. The cook was distressed indeed, but Elizabeth assured her that whatever could be easily procured and prepared would be acceptable, and when the Matlocks and the Maverleys went home to change, they sent their cooks and assistant cooks in a carriage with all that had been prepared for their dinners. Between the three kitchens, the meal was managed, and one might never have thought it was at the last moment. To thank Mrs Spaulding, when the Darcys left London, Elizabeth had one of her carriages conduct the cook to visit her family in Barton.

The family and their friends celebrated Dorian's knighthood well into the night. It was late indeed when Sir Dorian Goulding returned to his bachelor lodgings in Piccadilly late that evening, feeling as if he were walking on air. A letter awaited him, and his heart sank as he saw the envelope trimmed in black. With a feeling of dread, he opened it.