Chapter 6

News abounded during the following days. There was an express from Bath, with the news that Maria Lucas had become engaged to a young solicitor from Essex, who had recently attained his financial independence. The couple would marry from Lucas Lodge the last week of June, as soon as the final banns had been read. The young man had very little family, and so the nuptials would be small and quiet.

A letter arrived announcing that Lady Denham and her nieces and nephews would be travelling through Hertfordshire, and due to the Lady's age, would need to stop and rest for several days mid-journey, inviting herself to stay at Netherfield. Elizabeth would never be so ungracious as to turn her sister's neighbour away, but sensed the visit had everything to do with Lydia and Georgiana's majority, and the fact that the family would not visit Sanditon this summer. Elizabeth replied that her ladyship and her family were welcome, as long as Sir Edward understood that all unmarried gentlemen stayed at Lilac Cottage when visiting Netherfield.

A letter also arrived for Lydia from Kitty, after Lydia had written to her of the proposals.

Delaford

Derbyshire,

Lyddie,

Will you never leave your fanciful notions of enchantment behind? You met a young man when you were fourteen, your very first night in society, and proclaimed yourself "enchanted," and you have held fast to the ideal ever since.

Sister, I enjoy a love match, and I pray you will one day do the same, but you must trust me that not all love strikes one like an arrow from cupid. Sometimes love is a delicate flower that requires time to blossom and mature into something steadfast and true.

I fear that while you hold out for an ideal of a fancy that took you as a girl, you will blind yourself to possibilities that could, with patience and hope, lead you to the connection you so deserve. Was this Sir Michael truly so dreadful, sister? It sounded from your letters that you had a great deal in common. Could you not have requested more time, a courtship at least, so you might know your mind better?

Certainly, you should not have accepted the elopement of course, but when Mama learns that you have turned down two men in as many days, one of them a knight at that, she will have conniptions for certain. Do not think she has completely forgotten her desire to see you wed amidst the distraction of caring for our young brother.

I have no desire to scold you, dear Lyddie. Only do take care. Lizzy's joke about you not needing to marry if you choose not to is amusing to be sure, and while it would not be the end of the world, it would certainly be a shame. I only wish for your happiness. Please take care and proper consideration for your future felicity, dear sister.

Kitty

Lydia sent the following reply:

Pemberley House

Mayfair, London

Dearest Sister,

I shall kindly hold you to your word from when we were girls that you will not bring up the topic of my experience at fourteen again.

When I eloped with Wickham, it was because I was charmed, and hoped that sentiment you have referred to might grow, but as you know well, I should have been miserable indeed had I gone through with it.

I determined then I would never accept a proposal from a man who has not elicited that feeling in me that I once knew. I shall not accept someone charming in the hopes that what I desire shall develop. None of my sisters did such a thing and neither shall I, no matter the wishes of you or my mother, and I will kindly thank you for allowing me the best knowledge of my own mind as well.

I will accept nothing less than what I desire, and again, you promised me to avoid the subject of that experience when we were girls, and I hold you to it. I have no desire to discuss him.

Lydia

Lydia sealed the letter, and bid Jemima put it with the post before she retired. Very much against her will, upon falling into her bed, she fell immediately into a dream of her first evening in country society, in June of the year she turned fourteen. She had been accompanying her mother and sisters on their afternoon calls since the previous year, and her mother had battled with their father to allow Lydia to attend a card party at the house of her Aunt Phillips.

Papa said that Lydia could very well wait until fifteen, as her sisters had, but Mrs Bennet had railed about the injustice of poor Lydia being made to sit home alone while her sisters enjoyed their share of amusement. Papa had held firm until Kitty had eventually begun to say that she had no wish to be in society without her closest sister's support, and once half of the women in the house were against him, life became far too shrill for Mr Bennet; he capitulated, and Lydia was officially out at fourteen, a year younger than any of her sisters.

Lydia had been elated to be allowed out, but once she arrived at her very first event, she quickly realised that it was just an evening at her aunt's. Mrs Phillips being extremely fond of cards, Lydia had played in her drawing room with her sisters and other ladies many afternoons. The only difference was that more of the neighbourhood was here. Why her mother thought playing cards with Sir William Lucas and Mrs Long should be exciting was beyond Lydia's comprehension.

As she fell into a deeper sleep, the dream became more vivid. Once more, she stood by the window in her aunt's drawing room, looking out upon the garden and wishing that anyone might arrive that might bring some fun. Her aunt's drawing room was not large enough for dancing, and Lydia was reconciling herself for another game of lottery, perhaps now with Lady Lucas, when her sisters Mary and Kitty came over with Charlotte Lucas.

"Why couldn't my first night in society have been an assembly or something exciting?" Lydia grumbled to Elizabeth and Jane.

"Because first we must see if you can behave here where company is limited before we set you loose upon the village, Lyddie. Papa would never have allowed your first night out to be an assembly." Mary said to her sister in her stern manner, "It will be far easier on the family if we learn you cannot behave if we are here instead of before the entire village."

"La Mary, how droll you are! A girl's first night in society ought to be the most memorable of her life!" Lydia replied insistently.

"Did you think you were going to meet your future husband your first night out, Lyddie?" asked Mary.

"That's what I thought when Mama brought me out last month… What a disappointment," Kitty sighed.

"With my experience, I can safely say that if it did not happen for Jane, it is unlikely to happen for anybody, at least not in Meryton," observed Charlotte Lucas. "But take heart, Lydia. Mama says that Mrs Goulding will come sometime tonight with her son and daughter, and her nephew is likely to be down from Eton. He will spend the summer as he usually does, before going onto Cambridge. Mr Dorian Goulding is an estimable young gentleman, and he and Ella should add to our frivolity very well indeed, when they arrive."

"I have only seen him in passing, such as at church. The young men in the neighbourhood rarely find themselves in the company of those not yet out, and so I have not had the pleasure of forming a proper acquaintance yet," said Kitty. "Was he here for the summer last year? I cannot recall seeing him."

"I believe he was here for a fortnight last year to visit his grandmother before going on to accept an invitation to visit a friend from school," Charlotte confirmed.

"I do not remember this person of whom you speak at all," said Lydia.

"You were twelve the last time he spent a whole summer in Meryton," pointed out Mary. "It is hardly to be wondered at, that you may never have crossed paths. He has lived at Haye Park since just before he started school, when his parents died, but he has been here but little since he began at Eton."

"You will like him well indeed, I am sure," said Charlotte. "He is just the right age for your first infatuation, Kitty, and Lydia. Old enough to mix in society, but too young to consider marriage until he completes his studies at Cambridge."

"Why should I waste my time on a boy too young for marriage?" sneered Lydia. "I intend to be the very first of my sisters to wed!"

"Papa would hardly allow you to marry at fourteen, Lydia," said Mary with a raised brow.

"I shall be the first to marry!" insisted Lydia. "Mama says I am the liveliest, and the most like her! I am certain I shall be wed by Michaelmas!"

"I assure you, Lydia. You will find Mr Dorian Goulding well worth the wait," said Charlotte, nodding across the room. "Ever since you were old enough to notice men, I have observed your penchant for the tall ones.

Lydia turned to see Mrs Goulding enter with Ella, her brother William, and a very young man who Lydia took to be Mr Dorian Goulding. She did like the tall ones, she mused. And heavens, was not this one tall indeed! Lydia had passed all of her sisters but Jane at five feet six inches, and was still growing. While Lydia typically favoured fair young men, the young man in question had shockingly dark hair, nearly black, and though Lydia could not be sure of his eye colour from across the room, they looked very dark in colour as well.

Lydia observed the young man as his party greeted their hostess and others nearby, while his cousin William settled Mrs Goulding into a chair and procured a glass of canary for her.

"It is well for him that the family has recently left off their mourning for his grandmother," Charlotte observed. "Wouldn't it be a tragedy for the younger ladies if he were obliged to stay home with his family all summer?"

"He was very close to his grandmother, I am certain he must feel her loss keenly," inserted Jane, as she joined their little group.

"I am certain you are right, Jane, though I wonder if her loss might not make his life somewhat easier, may the Lord forgive me for saying so," replied Mary. "Mrs Demelza Goulding made no effort to conceal her preferences, and her blatant expression of them earned him no favours with his aunt and uncle, that was always easy for all to see. When they attended the Lucas's garden party two summers ago, that lady did behave in such a way as to cause everyone discomfort."

"It is true that the late Mrs Goulding made no effort to hide her favouritism of him," Jane said. "But perhaps there was some explanation."

"Now Jane will attempt to think of a reason for that lady's behaviour that will absolve everyone concerned of guilt," said Charlotte with a sly grin. "Well Lydia? Is he handsome enough to salvage the evening for you?"

"Hmmmmm?" murmured Lydia vaguely as the young man ended his inspection of those in the room by locking eyes with her. What an arresting countenance he has!

"I believe he must be, Charlotte," answered Kitty for her. "But Lydia, he is closer to my age than yours. I ought to take precedence over you."

"Oh, hush Kitty, he is not even looking at you," Mary said to her younger sister.

"But Mary, it is not fair!" Kitty whined.

"I saw him first," murmured Lydia as the young man whispered to his cousins, who looked over to them and began to make their way across the room. It was astonishing how well he moved. One might think he would be awkward with so much height, she thought to herself, entranced, as she watched his silhouette make its way across the room towards her in the candlelight.

Mr William Goulding approached their party and bowed, as he inquired whether Miss Lucas and the Bennet sisters remembered his cousin Dorian.

"Charlotte, Mary, and I remember Dorian very well of course, but perhaps he and my two youngest sisters have not been introduced," replied Jane serenely.

The two young ladies made their curtsies as William Goulding made the introductions. Ella and Jane made conversation while Mr Goulding spoke to Charlotte, while Mary dragged a pouting Kitty over to make up a table for loo with the Misses Long.

The Bennet sisters and Charlotte watched as Lydia fell instantly under the young man's spell, and soon the two lively young people were exchanging banter rapidly, laughing outrageously as they made up a table with Ella and Jane to play lottery, and quadrille.

They had been playing for some time when Dorian spoke of going to Cambridge in the fall and then asked after Lydia's studies.

"Mama says I have learned all I require to come out in society and be married," Lydia answered.

Dorian considered his next card before responding. "It must be boring indeed to have learned everything one needs by fourteen. Would your father not allow you to continue if you wished?"

Lydia batted her eyelashes at him. "It is a shame you are a bit young for Mary," she said. "She always has her nose stuck in a book.

He leaned close and whispered thickly, "I am grateful indeed, to be too young for your sister, Miss Lydia." causing her to flush bright pink with pleasure, fanning herself prettily.

Lydia was the last to notice the card party was breaking up when William Goulding tapped his cousin on the shoulder and whispered in his ear. Mrs Goulding was preparing to depart, and so Dorian quickly took his leave.

"Miss Lydia, it has been a pleasure to share your company tonight. Might I have the pleasure of the first dance at the assembly next week?" Dorian asked. Their group had discussed the upcoming assembly with relish, and Lydia was full of anticipation for her first public ball.

"Lydia, you must save your first for our father," interrupted Jane. "He only ever attends the assembly for our first time," she explained to Dorian. "I should hate him to be disappointed."

Lydia was about to screech that Papa could go hang, when Dorian replied, "I quite understand, Miss Bennet. I would never wish to deprive your father of his rightful delight. The second then, Miss Lydia?" She quickly agreed, and he smiled beautifully, "I was delighted to meet you, Miss Lydia."

I was enchanted to meet you , thought Lydia as he made his way to his family and took his leave of her aunt.

"Well Lydia," asked Mrs Bennet as the ladies made their way home shortly after in the carriage. "How did you find your first evening in society? Your new friend paid you an uncommon amount of attention, dear. And so tall! It is a shame he shall go on to Cambridge, he would look dashing in regimentals"

"Enchanting," Lydia sighed without thinking.

"Enchanting! Enchanting! Lydia's enchanted!" sang out Kitty.

"You will not repeat that, or I shall drown all of your bonnets in the creek!" threatened Lydia.

*****

The last weeks in town were a trial for Lydia. Georgiana had quickly accepted a courtship from Mr Radcliffe, thus saving her from the unwanted attentions of other gentlemen, while giving her leave to spend as much time in that gentleman's company as she chose. Lydia, on the other hand, being unattached, received the full force of the gentlemen who were left desperately attempting to effect a match before the season's end. When it became known that the Pemberley household would leave town rather earlier than usual, the attentions became nearly unbearable. Lydia suffered an attempted, if badly executed compromise, as well as two more proposals, one of which came from one of Georgie's failed suitors, before Lydia informed the butler that under no uncertain terms was she at home to any gentlemen callers.

Elizabeth accompanied Lydia to Stevens House on the last two occasions that she needed to visit. Elizabeth had to admit, Lydia had created a fashionable, yet comfortable home that would appeal to not only most gentlemen, but also to their future wives, assuming said wives had any sense at all, and agreed with the colour schemes. On the first visit, Lydia met with the housekeeper and cook, took an inventory of the larder, and planned the gentleman's first two weeks of meals.

The housekeeper and butler had both written to Mr Steven's American staff, learning his likes and dislikes, and so menus were created that would appeal to his tastes, until he had time to learn what else he liked that his new cook excelled at. Lydia had made a start on a household journal for the man, listing tradesmen and suppliers from all over London, their reputations, specialties, typical costs for common goods, as well as the best entertainers and temporary help agencies for when the gentleman hosted dinners or events.

Elizabeth marvelled that Lydia had ensured that Mr Stevens would assimilate to keeping a house in London easily and comfortably, in addition to ensuring that his house was the height of fashion, yet comfortable all at the same time. Lydia had learned all her lessons from running Elizabeth's house with the other young ladies very well indeed. On the last visit, the day before the man's arrival, the ladies arranged flowers in each room to make the house inviting, double checked that all the rooms were ready, and that the housekeeper and kitchen had everything well in hand, which of course they did. Lydia said goodbye to the staff, and wished them all the best with their new master, and Elizabeth noted more than one maid wiping away a tear. It was obvious that one day when Lydia had her own home to manage, she would be quite a skilled mistress indeed.

The Darcys had one more entertainment to host, the great ball before they left town. Elizabeth received a note from Lord W______ that a new partner in the locomotive foundry had arrived from America, and asking Elizabeth if they could bring the man as their guest to the ball, which of course she agreed to without a second thought. The shipyard operation had been very lucrative, and still was, but it was going to be the locomotive foundry that made Elizabeth many hundreds of thousands of pounds every year, and ensured that all their children would receive not only enormous dowries and settlements, but also grand estates upon their marriages. Truly, Elizabeth was sometimes nervous at how much the foundry earned each quarter, for the figures seemed so extreme.

The evening of the ball was perfect indeed. A crush of course, any event held by Lady Darcy was always well attended, and the countess looked stunning in her sage ballgown and new emerald parure and tiara, which had been a gift from Darcy.

Lydia had seen enough of society that season, and would have happily avoided the event entirely, but she could hardly be so rude to her sister. As she conversed in the ballroom, she was shocked to hear the announcement of Lord and Lady W_____ and Mr Henry Stevens. They were accompanied into the ballroom by Will, who nodded in her direction as soon as he spotted her and led the small party to her.

When Lydia had made her curtsey to the earl and countess, Will spoke, "Lydia, may I introduce Mr Stevens of New York? He has particularly requested to be made known to you."

Lydia curtsied to the gentleman, who bowed, and said, "Please forgive me, Miss Bennet, I could not rest until I had found the famous Miss Bennet that my household speaks so much of, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your time and assistance with my new house. Ramsey built an impressive place, certainly. But by your talents, I arrived to find a lovely and most comfortable home."

Lydia was gratified indeed by such elegant compliments, and inquired as to how the staff was managing. "I believe the staff does quite well, though anytime there is the slightest mishap, they all panic and wish fervently that you were there. Just this morning I found a maid sobbing over a broken decanter and wishing with all her heart that Miss Bennet might be there to make everything right again. You have made a remarkable impression on my entire household, and I am no exception."

Lydia coloured prettily. The gentleman was incredibly handsome, even better looking than her brother Darcy, in her opinion. Better looking than Mr Ramsey too, although their looks were similar. Both were blonde with piercing blue eyes, unfashionably tanned, and exceedingly tall. Lydia preferred taller gentlemen, being rather tall herself, the tallest of her sisters. Thankfully her height had not continued to grow until it was a problem, but Lydia was 5 ‘9 in her stocking feet. Many men were of a height with her, or occasionally sometimes slightly shorter, and it was always a blessing to dance with a gentleman who was tall enough to make the experience enjoyable.

Mr Stevens, 6 ‘3 in his stocking feet, asked for her next available dance, and expressed immense satisfaction that it would be the supper set and a waltz. Elizabeth was happy to see her sister truly enjoying herself, and not beset by idiot suitors as she had been so much this season. When not dancing, Lydia and Mr Stevens kept in close company with Georgiana, Mr Radcliffe, and his friends. During dinner, Lydia did her best to follow the man's conversation about his business. Apparently, his investment and partnership with her sister and the gentlemen who owned the foundry was going to change the way locomotives were manufactured and maintained in their company, improving repair times, and making it more efficient.

He had a great deal of interest in Lydia's talent for home design, and showed no disgust that she had been paid to decorate and set up housekeeping for him. Americans were usually more relaxed about such things. "If you possess a skill, then obviously you must get paid for it. I will never understand the aristocracy's obsession with earning no money. It is almost as if they wish to see their grandchildren bankrupt." He showed no distaste either, for Elizabeth's profession in investing, and trade.

"The idea that such skills ought to be ignored because they are had by a woman is wasteful. We are trying to build a proper society here!" the gentleman expressed vehemently. "And everyone must lend their skills to the cause. No skills or talents must be wasted because men are intimidated by women of great use and intelligence!"

Lydia was quite swept off her feet during the supper waltz. The man was a superb dancer, and the muscles in his obviously powerful arms made her heart beat wildly. The two enjoyed all manner of conversation during dinner, and Lydia was well on her way to being starry eyed until after the meal, she stepped onto the terrace with Georgiana and Mr Radcliffe, as was her habit.

Whenever she was at an entertainment, she always preferred to take some air for a few moments after the meal before joining the other ladies for tea or returning to the ballroom. Georgiana and one or more of her friends often joined her. The three were giggling quietly in the darkened corner of the terrace, speaking of the meal, entertainments, and the amusements created by the other guests, when a voice carried from a nearby window, Darcy's study, where judging by the odour, he was enjoying a cigar with some other gentlemen, who could be heard laughing in the background of the room.

"It was my understanding that you had no interest in marriage." The three clearly heard Lord W______ observe to someone who was obviously quite close to the open window.

"And so I do not. What would I want with a wife?" answered Henry Stevens.

"You have already been cut or slighted three times by the old guard tonight. I can ensure your acceptance into some circles, and many younger noblemen will accept you, but marrying into the nobility or even the gentry would improve your acceptance in many circles here. You gave a great deal of attention to Miss Bennet tonight. You certainly gave every indication of some significant interest. I presumed you found some common interest, and were pursuing that connection," W______ responded pointedly.

"Do you mean to tell me I cannot enjoy an innocent flirtation with a girl in this country without creating expectations?" Stevens exclaimed.

"That is precisely what I am telling you. This is not America. Of course, you are new to society, and due to your lack of acquaintances, your attention to her tonight will be overlooked, though make no mistake that it was noted. Miss Bennet is a sensible sort of lady. She will not lose her head over your notice, but she and her sisters are friends with my wife and her sister. I would not see her feelings or reputation injured," explained W______.

"Damn it to hell! I knew I would detest society here. So many damned expectations, rules, nonsense! As if I would marry that chit, W______. I admire her for her ability to make a fine home, but God's teeth, it is not like her interest is even anything useful like her sister's! Talent at decorating. As if every female in the room couldn't make a passable attempt at such. That doesn't make the girl a useful wife , W______!"

Lydia recoiled as if slapped, then backed away from the window with all haste, followed by her friends. Georgiana was nearly in tears in concern for Lydia's feelings until Lydia quieted her. "Do not fear for my feelings, Georgie. I had no expectations beyond an enjoyable evening, and I held no uncommon attraction to the man that cannot be easily tempered. I am not certain why he felt the need to denigrate me thus, but now that I know his true opinion of me, I shall know how to avoid his forked tongue." She smiled at her sister. "One knows what they say about eavesdroppers, does not one?"

A few moments later the gentlemen in question appeared from the study, Lord W______ looking troubled. Mr Stevens appeared at her side instantly, and asked if she had missed him. "Not at all, sir. I have been too busy contemplating how I might become more useful, like my sister." The man blanched as Lydia turned sharply and swept away, followed closely by Georgiana and Mr Radcliffe, who glared ominously at the man. Elizabeth and Lord and Lady W______ saw the exchange, and Lord W______ looked extremely troubled. Lord W______ and his wife took their leave for themselves and their guest, called for his attention, and departed early.

The ball lasted all night, and was followed by a lavish breakfast at five o'clock. Elizabeth was so exhausted by the end that she could neither listen nor care about Mr Steven's crimes. She was swaying on her feet as Will declared how relieved he was that their entertaining in London was at an end, then swept her into his arms and carried her up to their chambers, shouting to all to remove the door knocker and go to bed.

No calls would be accepted that day (it was after dawn) and the ball could be cleared away after everyone, including the servants, had a goodly amount of sleep. The staff would clear away the mess later. When they woke, the family would act as if it were Sunday, brewing their own tea quietly in their chambers, and serving themselves in the kitchens from the leftover food from the ball, and the other simple selections provided in advance by the cook.