Chapter 4

Charlotte was very quiet the rest of the night, and the next day. Then she approached Elizabeth in her study one afternoon and said, "Eliza, I would like to learn more about the Price child. The one those dreadful women were speaking of."

"What do you have in mind, Charlotte?" Elizabeth asked with interest. Charlotte asked questions about the relation of the child to the Bennets, and therefore her husband and son, then asked "Do you believe it is a close enough association that the girl's parents might send her to Longbourn if I were to agree to take her as my ward when I open the house?"

Elizabeth considered. She had met her father's second cousin in her early youth, so the acquaintance existed. The woman was older than she, although the little girl in question's mother was the youngest of her siblings, and therefore closest in age to Elizabeth. She only ever heard about them via her Aunt Josephine, who kept in touch with Mrs Price, and Elizabeth even suspected sent the family a little money when she could. Elizabeth was certain her aunt would have spoken about the Darcys and Pemberley often enough in her letters that Elizabeth might presume upon the very slight relationship.

When Elizabeth questioned Charlotte's motives her cousin replied, "Eliza, after the example you set for me, how could I do less? You could have let me go back to suffer my mother for years on end, but you took me in, and could not have loved me better if I had been your own sister. I have not been able to stop thinking about that poor child and the cruelty she might face with those women."

"There was, at the very least, our long-standing friendship to consider," Elizabeth pointed out. "But you are not incorrect about my cousins and their circumstances. I had previously understood from my aunt that their circumstances were reduced, but I had not realised it was so terrible that it threatened the health of their children. What I said to the Bertrams was correct. Having impoverished relations is the height of dishonour if one is aware of it, unless it is certain they will do nothing to help themselves,"

Elizabeth continued. "I shall ask Montague to ask around about Mr Price this afternoon so that we know what to expect when we go there, perhaps also about better employment for Mr Price. We should be able to place him with the railroad or a shipyard with little difficulty, and we shall send a note and a basket around to Mrs Price tomorrow, giving them some warning of our visit. I doubt it will take Montague more than an afternoon to find the information we need."

Elizabeth sent the note to Montague immediately. The family lived by the docks in London, and had for some years. Her man of business ought to have little trouble learning whatever there was to know about Mr Price, his habits, vices, and abilities, and this would help Elizabeth determine if it would be possible to find the man a better job. Elizabeth suspected from what she heard from Aunt Josephine that it might be best to separate Mr Price from the docks, sailors, and the sea, as his current situation lent him too much inclination to the bottle and irresponsibility. The next day, after the report was received in the morning, Elizabeth sent the following note to the Price residence with a basket of tea, coffee, chocolate, and other savouries and delicacies.

Pemberley House

Mayfair, London

Dear Mrs Price,

After renewing my acquaintance with your sisters recently in town, I have decided I wish to renew my acquaintance with you as well before I leave for the country, that I may reassure my dear Aunt Dashwood of your continued well-being and the health of your family. It does not do to let these connections fall by the wayside, and it will give me pleasure to take up knowing you again, and of course your dear family. I shall call tomorrow afternoon for tea, with my husband Lord Darcy, and my cousin, Mrs Charlotte Collins, if you are agreeable. Please return a note with the footman if this is convenient for you.

Your Cousin,

Lady Darcy

By giving the family a day's warning, Elizabeth ensured that they would not be taken by surprise, and could make whatever small alterations to their lodgings or wardrobes they deemed possible before a visit from an earl and countess. She had no desire to distress her relations by taking them unawares. When the party went, Elizabeth and Charlotte dressed as plainly as they could, and Darcy did the same. They were not there to sneer about their status or wealth in front of their relations.

The heavily pregnant Mrs Price fussed about making them comfortable in the tiny parlour, which was quite obviously never used by the family with so many children. The small dwelling near the docks was quite typical. Two rooms upstairs, two rooms downstairs. The front room downstairs, rarely used, was for company. There would be another room at the back of the house, Elizabeth knew, a combined kitchen and family room, and it was likely that either Mr and Mrs Price or a number of the children slept there as well.

Elizabeth noted the ruddy complexion that identified a man too fond of drink worn by Mr Price, and did her best not to be annoyed by the sight of a man who looked rather used to his comforts, while his children looked unhealthy and ill-dressed. The nine children were presented for inspection and praise, then herded upstairs by the two eldest girls. Mrs Price thanked them profusely for the basket sent the day before, which had provided the refreshments offered. They made small talk while Mrs Price exclaimed over Aunt Dashwood's goodness in worrying over them, and recalling the happy times she had at Longbourn as a girl, her mother having been so close with Mr Bennet's mother.

Eventually, Elizabeth came to the point. "It was the renewal of our acquaintance with Lady Bertram and Mrs Norris that drove my desire to know you again, and of course your lovely family. I am not acquainted with those ladies well. But they spoke of a decline in your eldest daughter Fanny's health, and an inclination to invite her to reside at Mansfield Park," Elizabeth began.

"Invite Fanny! Now is that not just like my sisters, why would they want Fanny when the boys are strong and healthy, and ever so much more useful?" exclaimed Mrs Price thoughtlessly.

For the second time in a week, Elizabeth had the impression that Charlotte might be about to produce steam from her ears. Elizabeth continued before someone inadvertently said the wrong thing.

"It was of great concern to me and to my cousin Charlotte, the manner in which your sisters spoke of your daughter's status at Mansfield Park. They dwelt on the concern of distinguishing Fanny's status as beneath her cousins at all times, which gave us pause."

"Why, whatever do you mean?" asked Mrs Price in a shocked manner.

"They plan to house the girl on the third floor, not so close to the servant's hall, but next to the governess's chambers and the school room, in order to preserve the rank of Lady Bertram's children over their cousin," Charlotte bit out quite coldly. "Instead of taking your child in as family, they plan to house her practically in the attics, and then remind her of how lucky she is for the consideration, for the remainder of her childhood."

Mr and Mrs Price were shocked into silence. "You must forgive my cousin. She was understandably shocked and distressed by Mrs Norris's speech," Elizabeth explained.

"It is not my place to say, Mr and Mrs Price, but in your place, I would not give those women the care of a dead cat," Charlotte blurted out. Mrs Price choked back a laugh and said, "That is the best description of my sisters I have ever heard!" Her face grew serious. "But I do worry for poor Fanny. I did not think my sisters would want a sickly girl, but I did hope that if they took in one of the boys, even a little more room and food in the house might improve her strength," Mrs Price fretted.

"We came with some suggestions for other alternatives, and with an offer to assist your boys if you are amenable to discussing it." Elizabeth said gently. "You are my cousins, and I take an interest in the health and success of your children and family. It would bring me no honour to know I could effortlessly use my influence for their future, and then do nothing.

"Our first suggestion is that my cousin Charlotte, whose son is the heir to my father's estate, might invite Fanny to reside at Longbourn, to determine if country living might better agree with her constitution. The estate has been let for some time, but now that Mrs Collins' son is nearly six, she wishes him to grow up on his own estate. This summer their family will officially take over Longbourn," Elizabeth explained.

"Fanny is a Bennet cousin, and she is family, and welcome at Longbourn for as long as she desires," Charlotte interrupted. "There will be no sleeping in the kitchens, or being used as a servant. Fanny will live with the family, and be dressed and educated accordingly. There will be no difference in the way she and my own son are treated."

Elizabeth laid a comforting hand on Charlotte's arm, "My poor cousin has been outraged since hearing Mrs Norris's ideas. Our side of the family treats our relations quite differently."

"I have no intentions of remarrying, Mrs Price," Charlotte assured her. "My son is my pride and joy, but I must say, the company of a young lady about the house would be quite welcome to me. I do hope you will consider the invitation for your daughter, and I shall ensure she visits you regularly."

"We have suggestions for your boys as well," Elizabeth continued. "Of course, the Royal Naval Academy stopped taking young boys many years ago, the practice now is to send the boys for two years of training upon the retired Illustrious, in Portsmouth. The training is conducted by Captain Robert Harris, and the boys can later be found posts as midshipmen. Have your boys received an education from the school in this neighbourhood?" When the Prices answered in the affirmative, Elizabeth continued, "That is to the good. Your older boy, William, is of an age to go this year, if you will allow me to sponsor him on the Illustrious. His younger brother may go when he is twelve."

The Prices both indicated their willingness for the boys to go if it suited Elizabeth and Darcy to sponsor them. Mr Price looked at his wife at length and spoke. "They're your relations, Frances. You know this Longbourn, you say? I shall leave the question of Fanny up to you," Darcy stood, and invited Mr Price to come outside with him and discuss men's business while the ladies decided what was to be done with Fanny.

*****

The offer came from Elizabeth, but she and Will thought it might be taken better if offered by a man. Darcy told him while they were outside, that there was a position available working for the railroad. It was true, he acknowledged, that Mr Price was more used to nautical-related employment, but for the last several years he had been employed on the docks, as a shipping and receiving clerk.

Darcy acknowledged that the docks were far more complicated than the railroad yards, with so many vessels coming and going from all over the world, and that Price was eminently qualified for the position of supervising a shipping and receiving yard for the railroad. The entire family would need to move to Manchester, but the pay was four times as much, and the job came with a house. Not a grand one, mind. But it would have more rooms than the house the Prices currently occupied, three upstairs and three downstairs, ensuring the Prices nor any of their children would have to sleep in the kitchens.

Living in Manchester would be considerably cheaper than in London, and so his new wage would stretch considerably farther, far enough to ensure the health of all his children, who would all be sponsored by the Darcys at the local grammar school, with the Price's permission. None of the children would board at the school, living nearby, and the fees would be small. The boys would learn what was necessary to take them into the navy or the army, and the girls would learn what was needed to make them governesses if they ever needed to take up positions.

Mr Price accepted with a heavy heart. Lord and Lady Darcy had cleverly disguised all of this as familial pride and support, so the Prices would not feel they were accepting charity, but there was no question that's what it was, and he was in no position to decline it. Yes, it was true that he had always preferred a job on the sea or at least as close as he could manage to a shipyard, but Lord Darcy was correct. He was educated and experienced enough to supervise a shipping yard for the railroad. Up to this point, he had not been much of a father or husband, he thought. He had too little to work with, and so he had never really tried.

Price confided all of this to Darcy, and assured him that now he had been given a chance, he would not squander it. It was then that Darcy learned that Sir Bertram had been left the administration of Mrs Price's dowry upon the death of her father, but upon being told by his wife and Mrs Norris that their father would not have approved of the match, he had withheld the two thousand pounds and the interest all these years. Darcy decided to withhold this information from his wife until later.

The men returned inside, to share with the ladies that Mr Price had been offered, and had accepted, a good job that came with a house in Manchester, which must be a more healthful location than their rooms near the stinking docks. The joy this news evoked in Mrs Price was infectious.

Elizabeth informed them that the house would be ready for them in one month, and the job would be ready for Mr Price to start one week after that. The gentlemen were informed that Fanny would go to Longbourn, and it was decided that Charlotte would take custody of the girl, and their eldest son William would go to Portsmouth for his naval training when the family left the city.

Everyone parted with goodwill, and Charlotte excitedly began preparing fabrics and all she would need to take a young girl into her home. A trip to the dressmaker to outfit Fanny with everything that was needed would take place in plenty of time for the girl to be respectably attired before travelling to Longbourn.

Fanny was of an age with Diane but much smaller in size, so Charlotte and Elizabeth dug out older frocks and clothes belonging to Diane and William, removed all that made it too fussy, and sent most of what was too small for Fanny to the Price household for the other children, along with a great deal of lightly used clothes from the dressmaker in Lambton belonging to Charlotte for Mrs Price, so that the family would be well attired before arriving for their new start in Manchester.

*****

Georgiana had experienced a bit of angst before being rewarded in matters of the heart. When she arrived in town, her friend Mr Radcliffe was being manoeuvred into an attachment by his mother, who wanted him to marry as soon as possible, and her friend, the mother of the young lady in question. Mr Radcliffe's mother had effectively and manipulatively iced out Georgiana from their immediate circle, and managed to keep her son distracted by imposing Lady Eliza Cholmondeley, eldest daughter of the Earl of Amherst in his path. For a young woman who was only his friend and had no other claim upon him, Georgiana was particularly affected by her friend's lack of attention.

She was able to greet him briefly at most events, but his mother gave no quarter, clinging to his elbow and directing him here and there and being rather rude to Georgiana. Georgie danced and laughed with the other gentlemen, but she became more and more piqued with Mr Radcliffe, giving her attention brightly to others, sometimes to gentlemen she knew he disliked.

After a week or two in town, she felt his eyes on her everywhere she went. She then began pointedly ignoring him, coldly avoiding him. How dare he stay away from her and then watch her every move? Elizabeth eventually said something to her privately one night in late April, inviting Georgie into her dressing room one evening when they were preparing for a dinner at Lord W______'s house.

"Georgie, it is not my place to tell you your business, but do take care that you do not find yourself in a compromising situation with the wrong gentleman in an effort to punish Mr Radcliffe," Elizabeth said idly, as Sarah left them alone. "Come dearest, sit here and let me put these diamond stars in your hair. You must borrow my good diamond drop earrings, and the matching necklace tonight. I shall wear the Darcy pearls instead. I do love an excuse to wear the lover's knot tiara [*] . I am so glad you wore the ice-blue silk. If you are to make him sorry, you must look your best."

Elizabeth finished setting the diamond stars in the younger woman's hair, and clasped the necklace about her neck as Georgiana giggled. "But be careful Georgie, promise me. I did not like to see you dancing with Baron Harrowby at the Milford's ball. You must choose your weapons with better discretion. Of course, it is not your choice who asks you to dance, but you have gained enough experience in a ballroom to know how to avoid invitations from men like him."

Georgiana promised and accompanied Elizabeth downstairs where Lydia, Charlotte, and her brother were waiting. Will's eyes watched her intently and then flicked to Elizabeth who winked at him impishly as she sailed through the hall and out the front door with the other ladies.

Georgiana took her brother's arm as they followed and whispered to him, "I am sorry if I worried you, Brother. I will take better care." He smiled endearingly, looking relieved as he handed her into the carriage and climbed in after her.

Upon arriving at the impressive London House of Lord W_____ and greeting their hosts, Georgiana, Lydia, and Mrs Annesley made their way into the drawing room and approached the countess's younger sister, an American who was married to one of her father's business partners, and with whom Georgiana and Lydia got on exceedingly well. She watched as Mr Radcliffe arrived escorting his mother, Lady Amherst, and Lady Eliza. He left the ladies with their friends, and began greeting his friends about the room. The moment he attempted to greet Georgiana, Lady Eliza appeared at his elbow, sweetly informing him that his mother required his presence. Radcliffe looked annoyed, and Lady Eliza looked supremely satisfied as she glided away upon his arm, glancing back to bestow a triumphant smirk upon Georgiana.

After three-quarters of an hour during which Georgiana engaged with Lydia and their friends, Georgie and Lydia accompanied each other to the ladies' retiring room. As they shared a mirror, Lady Eliza and her friends entered laughing. "Are you certain, Eliza? He certainly has paid her a great deal of attention in the past," asked the Honourable Miss Frances Kingsbury of her friend, who was inspecting her appearance in a mirror close by.

"Ha! His Mama will barely allow him to glance her way anymore, and Little Miss Mouse knows not how to make him disobey her," Lady Eliza answered disdainfully with a cruel laugh. "As you can see, even with a fortune rumoured to be large enough to tempt a marquess, she cannot even hold the attention of a younger son. When she does marry, I imagine her brother will have to arrange her match or he and his poor wife shall never be rid of her... For all her supposed merits, she hasn't the slightest clue how to tempt a gentleman. Alas, it is her loss…" laughing derisively, Lady Eliza swept from the room with her friends close behind.

Lydia was incandescent with rage. She vowed that Lady Eliza would suffer a most humiliating incident before the evening's end, vowing to obtain a glass of red wine and use it judiciously at the first opportunity. She and a mortified Georgiana exited the retiring room to find Mrs S____ outside the door, her mouth set in a grim line, having heard the lady's derision as she left the retiring room. "Do not allow that creature to upset you," she comforted Georgiana. "By first thing tomorrow morning she will be on her way home to her father's country estate, with the hope that perhaps a rather more desperate younger son of some other neighbour might have her."

"Oh no, I really do not think-" Georgiana protested, but their friend stopped her. "My sister and our friends and I suffered cruelly from ladies like her in New York. We know how to act." She led the young ladies to her sister, who was conversing with their sister. "Sister, might I create a spot of mischief? One of your guests requires a lesson in manners."

Elizabeth looked over at Georgiana, who was visibly upset, with some concern. "Are you well, Georgie?"

"She is obviously quite hurt, Elizabeth. Your dear Georgiana comports herself beautifully, but it is not surprising that she is so gentle that the other ladies' bitterness distresses her. I had noticed the matter that I am sure this regards myself over the last few weeks," their hostess interrupted in her typical direct manner. She looked at her sister, "What did you have in mind?"

"Louisa Rensselaer, 1847," Mrs S_____ replied promptly.

Lady W_____ burst into laughter, "Oh, that was a memorable night indeed, and I selected the perfect chair covers for such a scheme. I must thank you, Elizabeth. I have not had this much excitement at a dinner since I was a girl. You must alter my seating arrangements as well, Sister. You will know how best to manage it. Your trick ought not be too difficult. Cook always has a pig's bladder somewhere." Mrs S_____ left the younger ladies with Elizabeth and their hostess as she attended to her mischief. Lady W_____ advised them that they would enjoy the demonstration of a Roman invention in short order.

It was not very long before the entire party learned what Lady Eliza Cholmondeley's punishment was to be. At the announcement by the butler some quarter hour later that dinner was served, ladies took the arms of the gentlemen and entered the dining room. Georgiana was seated and looked over to see that Mr Radcliffe was to sit next to her. Then suddenly the loudest rip of flatulence that had ever been heard drew the attention of the entire room to the person of the radish-faced Lady Eliza Cholmondeley, who had just been assisted to her seat.

Everyone near drew back in disgust, then light titters began, and in a moment the entire room was roaring in laughter as Lady Eliza rushed from the room in tears, her mother hot on her heels, face purple and appearing positively murderous. Elizabeth observed her host and Mr S_____ frowning at their wives sternly, then clearly lost their will and their lips began twitching as both of their ladies maintained a demeanour of angelic innocence. The party began settling into their places, and Georgiana directed her attention to Mrs Annesley as Mr Radcliffe took his place beside her and the sumptuous meal began.

*****

Lord and Lady W______ were known to be among the most consummate hosts to be found in the kingdom, and their dinners were nothing less than fit for royalty. Indeed, Elizabeth had never eaten so well at Buckingham House. There were so many courses, delicacies, and delights, that one could ignore one's dinner partners in favour of the food for hours. Georgiana felt the frustration building in the gentleman to her left as she savoured the dishes and discussed with Mrs Annesley what spices were likely used in each, but she paid him no attention. Why should she?

When the dinner was nearly finished, Mr Radcliffe could take no more. Georgiana and Mrs Annesley were speculating pleasantly on what ladies might exhibit later, there being many uncommonly talented guests among the party. Georgiana was expressing a hope that a particular gentleman that was present might display his well-known gift for recitation when her other dinner companion cleared his throat and made himself known, "I know that I, as well as many others I am sure, would be heartbroken if Lady Georgiana does not perform Beethoven this evening."

Georgiana slowly turned her head and looked him up and down as if he were a distasteful bug, then made to turn back to Mrs Annesley.

"Lady Georgiana, please. I have been put in a difficult situation by my mother, but I hope that perhaps that is now over, and I might please myself again."

"You suggest now that your mother might allow you to speak with me again, that I am under some obligation to accept your attention? I beg your pardon, sir." Georgiana pointedly turned away, and returned her attention to her companion. Mr Radcliffe threw down his napkin and left his place at the table in a fit of temper. Georgiana pretended not to notice, continuing to give her attention to Mrs Annesley, and giving the impression that she had not a care in the world.

When the ladies left the gentlemen, Georgiana joined the others in the music room. Mrs H___ played the pianoforte quietly as their hostess served tea, and the room buzzed with the humiliation of Lady Eliza. Georgiana took no part in the gossip, but sat next to Elizabeth, feeling more tired than she ever had before. The gentlemen rejoined the ladies in short order, and the entertainments began. She felt slightly cheered when Sir Michael Shein recited, as she hoped he would.

Lydia, having never heard the gentleman recite before, and being particularly fond of poetry, was quite in raptures, and the entire room begged the man for another selection, to which he graciously complied. Georgiana perversely performed a selection by Bach, rather than Beethoven, as Radcliffe brooded and stared out of a window. The party enjoyed the evening immensely, as was always the case of any evening spent at the home of Lord and Lady W______.

Lydia, unable to help herself, obtained an introduction to Sir Michael, who had been knighted after a superb address to The Queen that had been so beautiful it had moved The Monarch nearly to tears. Before his elevation, he had been the eldest son of a celebrated writer, not particularly distinguished, but of a genteel family, nonetheless. The twenty-nine-year-old man spent most of his time in London, moving in literary circles, or assisting his elderly father with his family's modest estate of about four thousand a year, which was in Wales. The gentleman and Lydia struck up an immediate accord, and conversed animatedly until the party dispersed for their homes.