Chapter 10

As Charlotte indicated, Mr Collins returned to Hunsford immediately after the first banns were read, and returned a few days before Christmas, full of tales about the delivery of a small pianoforte as a gift for his wedding from his fair cousin two days before his journey to Meryton and acquainting the neighbourhood of his good fortune at her condescension and generosity .

Charlotte related to Elizabeth that she persuaded Mr Collins that he could only benefit from a positive acquaintance with his fair cousin . She would be the mistress of the greatest house in his vicinity once he inherited, (Elizabeth had received Mr Bingley's response regarding Netherfield and made the neighbourhood aware of her intention to properly open the house), she was titled and wealthy, and was his own cousin. Charlotte helped her betrothed see that Elizabeth's rank was so similar to Lady Catherine, that the elderly woman's objections were ridiculous in the extreme. Lady Catherine's husband had been a knight, just like Elizabeth's, and Elizabeth was descended from an earl, much like Lady Catherine's own nephew. Mr Collins only need tell Lady Catherine the pianoforte was a gift from his cousin, not the cousin's actual identity. Lady Catherine was an elderly woman who did not stick her nose beyond her own county. She would not likely hear of anything that would make their lives uncomfortable.

Elizabeth would have preferred he kept the gift a secret to surprise Charlotte on her homecoming, but she would not complain. Charlotte was glowing with anticipation of taking up her own establishment, and Elizabeth prayed it would make her friend happy.

Mr and Mrs Bingley returned four days before Christmas and by all accounts, Netherfield was a hive of activity. Jane had dozens of servants decorating the house with mistletoe and greenery, and the neighbourhood looked forward to the upcoming ball. Jane and Mr Bingley went about visiting as much as they were able, attempting to visit as many of the local families as possible before they left the neighbourhood again.

One house Jane did not call upon was Lilac Cottage, which did not surprise Elizabeth, who was only surprised to have been invited to the ball. She supposed that Jane did not want the neighbourhood to notice her exclusion, should she not be invited. Elizabeth did not particularly want to attend Jane's ball after the way she acted after leaving Longbourn, but like her sister, she would not give the neighbourhood an excuse to talk.

Mary was particularly against attending the ball, and begged Elizabeth to allow her to stay home to watch Diane. However, Elizabeth persuaded her that she needed Mary's moral support in the face of Jane's incivility, and Mary finally relented.

Charlotte was married three days after Christmas, and Elizabeth was happy for her friend. The new couple were unable to stay in Meryton for the ball, although they wished Mr and Mrs Bingley much luck in their endeavour before the wedding breakfast ended.

Elizabeth had the opportunity to corner Mr Collins briefly when Charlotte was accepting the congratulations of some friends from the village. "Mr Collins, now is a good time for us to have a chat."

"My dearest cousin , you must allow me to thank you for your generous condescension -" Collins began before Elizabeth cut him off.

"Cousin Collins, I do not condescend to my own relations. Please leave such flatterings to the side when we converse, and speak plainly and sensibly. I have a question for you, sir. Do you have any idea how fortunate you are in your wife?" Elizabeth demanded.

"I-i- ummm," Mr Collins stuttered.

"Mr Collins, Charlotte is a worthy woman, entitled to the greatest esteem. She deserved to be your first choice , and your business henceforth is to spend the rest of your days respecting and cherishing her as she deserves," Elizabeth instructed. "If you ever experience any cordiality or notice from me of any kind, it is because your wife is as dear to me as any sister, and my most trusted friend. I do not know what sort of husband you were raised to be, but if I ever learn of your harming, disciplining, or causing the smallest shred of unhappiness to my friend, I shall make you exceedingly sorry, and no one, not even Lady Catherine will be able to save you."

"I suppose you are right to say such things, considering the reports you must have heard of my father. Mine and yours fought on many matters, and my father's cruelty was among them. I assure you, cousin. I would not see my wife cringe from my hand as my mother did from my father. I believe you are right to believe the worst of me. I do not know how to behave among the nobility, or even the gentry, and admit that after spending my life trying to please my sire, I crave the approbation of those above me."

"Henceforth, you will crave the approbation, respect, and above all the affection and happiness of your wife . You have been most fortunate in your choice. Charlotte is among the most respected young women in the county. Esteemed for her good sense, economy, understanding in estate matters, and christian goodness. She was fourteen when her father was elevated. She helped him greatly as he found his place among the gentry, as she will help you find yours. She knows this area and its people; she has lived here all her life, and she knows enough about the agriculture and estate matters hereabouts. Your wife is the one you must henceforth follow in all things. I happen to know that your patroness is a poor estate manager, and Rosings Park is only kept solvent by the efforts of her nephews. If you take the wrong advice when you take possession of Longbourn, you will fail. Make sure that you take the right advice in all things , Cousin. Allow your wife to help you become the gentleman you are meant to be someday. You will not regret it." She left him then, and returned to congratulate her friend yet again.

The couple left the wedding breakfast, and travelled straight to Hunsford in Lady Catherine's third best carriage, the generosity of which was spoken of by Mr Collins for much of the day.

Once the wedding day passed the neighbourhood was quiet, waiting for the day of the ball. Since Mrs Phillips' card party, Mr Wickham, along with several other officers, called almost daily, though he was refused each time, along with several other officers, until finally, Elizabeth wrote a note to Colonel Forster, informing him that she was a respectable widow living alone with a small child and an underage sister, and that she did not entertain officers, and would appreciate him informing his men not to call.

After that, the calls from the other officers ceased, though Mr Wickham continued to call two to three times a sennight. Elizabeth sent another note to the colonel, this time delivered by the local magistrate, Sir William Lucas. This note informed the colonel that he and his officer were duly warned that the officer's presence was not welcome at Lilac Cottage. Any further attempts to visit would be viewed as a threat, and would be dealt with accordingly if Colonel Forster could not control his men.

Colonel Forster took offence at this suggestion that he could not control his men. He decided he would make no effort to control Lieutenant Wickham's actions and that Lady Astley could fend for herself.

Lady Astley had no need of the Colonel's protection, nor that of the magistrate. The only reason she bothered with those avenues was so that if she or one of her servants were obliged to kill or injure Mr Wickham in defence, there would be proof that she requested assistance properly before taking whatever steps were necessary to protect her household. Less than a week after her aunt's card party, Elizabeth received a file on Mr Wickham from Mr Montague that was two inches thick, and full of the most ghastly information imaginable. Elizabeth instructed Mr Banks to warn the shopkeepers not to extend very much, if any credit to the man, or indeed any of the officers. And to watch their daughters.

The week before the ball, Lieutenant Wickham was assigned to training drills all week, and had no time to pay calls to Lilac Cottage. But he had a plan to compromise the wealthy widow at the Netherfield Ball. He would give her a week to grow comfortable and then strike. He had listened closely to the talk about the village regarding the widow. A house in town, two estates in the country, and a fortune from her late husband sounded like just what he needed. The lady thought she could ban him from her presence by crying to his colonel, but she would soon find the situation not to her favour.

Mrs Bennet worked miracles and kept Kitty and Lydia hard at work night and day finishing the alterations to their ball gowns. The girls' reading suffered, but Elizabeth did not fuss, knowing the ball to be the reason for their neglect of their books. Soon enough the neighbourhood would return to normal and they would have time enough for their studies. Lydia even discovered that she was very good at embroidery. Everyone knew that Lydia had a deft hand with a needle, but it was not remarked upon because the girl rarely applied herself to the accomplishment, deeming it boring. When Lydia claimed that she was bored with lace trimming, Mrs Bennet told her how when she was young, the ladies would embroider their gowns. Lydia could not rest until most of the lace was removed from her gown, and she embroidered a handsome primrose pattern around the hem. She did a lovely job, even creating the pattern herself.

"These are the sorts of interests and aptitudes I mean when I speak of encouraging your education, girls. Although we would not likely engage masters for embroidery, it is always good to recognize when you have a talent for something, and then to develop that accomplishment. Embroidery skill such as this would be very highly regarded in the most accomplished circles of ladies in society, Lydia. You should be proud of yourself," Elizabeth said as the ladies sat down to lunch with Diane.

Lydia was pink cheeked as she attempted to turn the subject to Kitty's drawing. Kitty had quickly surpassed the skill of everyone around her, and Elizabeth engaged a master who came from St Albans once a week and met her at Elizabeth's home to teach her. Lydia was still considering what sort of master she would like. Elizabeth planned to engage an elocution master as well, for the girls both needed to learn to moderate their tones and speak elegantly, although they were trying very hard.

Elizabeth's own feminine accomplishments were lacking. Her drawing was indecipherable, her skill on the harp only very basic, and her embroidery was nearly obscene, it was so terrible. She could plod along on several tunes on the pianoforte well enough to get by without embarrassment, but there was little true skill, due to her disinclination to practise. Still, her playing had a light, cheerful tone to it that was pleasing to hear, even if it was not perfect. Aunt Madeleine had quite despaired of her ever being accomplished enough to suit society, but Elizabeth always preferred to play chess or read about industry or agriculture than sew or draw.

When he heard her lovely singing voice once on a visit, Uncle Hexham bade Aunt Madeleine to engage a singing master and otherwise allow Elizabeth to pursue her own interests. Her singing voice was angelic, and expressive enough to distinguish her as accomplished in society, and her time was better spent in studying subjects that she enjoyed, even if she was regarded as slightly eccentric. He taught her to ride himself, after learning she was too afraid to mount a horse after being thrown when she was eight and was learning to ride. With his careful encouragement, Elizabeth overcame her fear, and became a very accomplished rider indeed.

Eventually the day of the ball arrived, and everyone made their way to Netherfield in their best finery. Jane greeted them serenely as they passed through the receiving line. Mr Bingley was his usual ebullient self. "Cannot say how I appreciate your suggestion regarding the lease, Lady Astley. I hear you have great renovations planned for the place."

"Indeed, Mr Bingley, I am all anticipation to begin the project. May I inquire as to the well being of your friend, Mr Darcy, and his family? I hope his sister's health has improved since we met in London," Elizabeth said pleasantly.

"Sadly, poor Miss Darcy's health has not improved," answered Mr Bingley sadly. "I heard from Darcy last week, and he is very worried for her recovery."

"Please inform Mr Darcy that I am grieved to hear of his sister's illness. I am acquainted with some of London's finest physicians, so if he would like another medical opinion, I would be very happy to recommend someone. All he need do is send me a note, and I will see to it,"

"Yes, Lizzy, I am sure Mr Darcy will be very grateful," Jane interrupted sarcastically. "Charles, you are holding up the line." Elizabeth shook her head at Jane's incivility and moved into the ballroom.

The renovations for the bathing and refreshing chambers would begin the following week, and would take about a month to complete. Elizabeth greatly looked forward to moving in and redecorating a room or two at a time. The great house was everything elegant and timeless in design, but had not been updated in a number of years, and the wallpaper and upholstery were beginning to show their age.

Kitty and Lydia told Elizabeth that Jane had more or less forgiven their mother, which Elizabeth found difficult to believe after the scene at Longbourn. But as long as Jane did not need to live at Longbourn, and since she was married, and therefore no longer reliant on the Bennets, she could apparently stand to be friendly. They also told her that Jane was very touchy about any suggestion that Elizabeth was doing anything for their family, so the girls did not mention their lessons or their visits, or their dresses or bonnets, and Jane was so self absorbed that she did not even seem to notice that her mother and sisters' demeanours had changed overnight.

"Perhaps she is self-absorbed enough to believe that her leaving was the reason for the change, so she does not mention it," Mary had observed spitefully a few days before at lunch.

Elizabeth did not know what Jane thought of the change in her mother's and sister's personalities, but since she was already seeing Jane begin to behave possessively over her mother and youngest sisters, Elizabeth made a point to be unobtrusive until Jane left the neighbourhood. There was no point in playing tug of war with Jane over giving the girls a couple of bonnets and recommending something for them to read.

Mary was quickly claimed by young Mr Lucas for the first dance, and Elizabeth heard a voice behind her. "May I have the first set, my dear?" asked Mr Wickham in an oddly proprietary manner.

"It is Lady Astley to you, and I do not dance the first, Mr Wickham," Elizabeth said coolly.

"The second then," Mr Wickham said with a wicked leer down her decolletage. He looked and smelled as if he were already drunk.

"No thank you, Mr Wickham. I bid you good evening," Elizabeth wrenched away from the gentleman and made her way to sit at the side of the room near her stepmother and Lady Lucas. William Goulding came and asked for her second set, which she gave. Within a few moments all of the sets she was to dance were taken. She even gave a set to Mr Percival Godwin, which was quite the testament to how much she would rather not dance with Mr Wickham.

Elizabeth should have expected there to be trouble when she gave the set Wickham had asked for to Mr Goulding. The man in question pulled at her elbow as she returned to the side of the room. "And here I thought you a lady. I am not even certain how to address you now, madam."

"I beg your pardon, sir," Elizabeth moved to turn away, not even remotely offended by Wickham's pique.

"You denied me the second when I asked for it, and then gave it to Mr Goulding. What lady does such a thing? Didn't your fishwife of a mother teach you that you may not deny a gentleman?"

"See here now, unhand the lady!" exclaimed young William Goulding, getting very angry at this encounter.

"I see no lady here," challenged Wickham. "Come now, you've had your fun with her, now let the other lads have a go."

Elizabeth held up a hand before William Goulding could get outraged enough to challenge the man. "Lieutenant Wickham, young unmarried ladies may not deny a gentleman who asks for their hand unless they sit out the night. However, your family does not own any land that I know of, and you told me from your own mouth that you are the son of a land steward. You are not a gentleman, and I am not an unmarried lady. I am a widow who is not looking for a husband, sir. I will not dance with any man I do not wish to. Even if society cares, they can go hang! Did you think that you could force me to dance with you? You and your colonel have been told multiple times, including by the magistrate, that you are unwelcome at Lilac Cottage, yet you have continued to call there and be denied, sir. You have now been warned before the entire neighbourhood. If you intrude upon my person or my property again I will perceive it as a threat, and react accordingly. Please take yourself from my company!"

"See here, Forster, we discussed this!" cried Sir William, calling Colonel Forster from a group nearby. "I served you notice myself to keep your officers away from Lilac Cottage, and from my own home, as my remaining daughter is not of an age to marry yet. If you cannot keep your men in line, I shall write to the war office!"

Many of the local matrons took up the charge, berating the Colonel, and warning Wickham to stay off their lands and away from their girls. Elizabeth was well liked and respected in Hertfordshire. Now that she was moving permanently into Netherfield they liked and respected her even more because having a titled lady in the big house would raise the tone of the neighbourhood, and being counted among her intimate acquaintance gave them all distinction. The town would not put up with a respectable widow of any rank being harassed by the militia.

Mr Bingley left his place with his wife to assess the situation, and asked Colonel Forster to have the man removed. "I know that man from university, sir, and I wouldn't trust him with the safety of a dead cat. He has caused one family of my acquaintance significant unhappiness. I will not have him on Netherfield lands while I am still here, and if he trespasses, I will hold him and the regiment accountable. I did not recognise him when he arrived with the other officers, but I must insist that he leave now."

Wickham was escorted back to the camp and put under guard until the colonel could deal with him. Seething at the indignity but seeing it was necessary, Forster rendered an apology to Lady Astley, promising to put an end to the trouble.

Elizabeth sat out the next dance as everyone around her settled down, and her father took the chair next to her. "Well, Lizzy, would you like to tell me how you stole all of the silliness from my house?"

"I am sure I do not know what you mean, Papa," replied Elizabeth innocently.

"Nonsense. You spend half an hour with Mrs Bennet, and suddenly a few weeks later, Lydia is not only starting to speak French, but also waltzed into my library this week and took a reference book without batting an eyelash. Last night they were playing chess, and not only did Kitty win, I am tempted to think she did so on purpose," said Mr Bennet. "And I keep finding Mrs Bennet or Hill teaching them about menus or the budget. What are these visits to Miss Long all about?"

"Yes, Kitty might be formidable if she gains some more varied experience with the chessboard," Elizabeth observed. She relayed to him Miss Long's predicament, and how she saw it as a way for her sisters to gain some discreet instruction. "They play chess with me on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I believe I have even seen a few of the matrons smiling at them tonight. I never imagined what an immediate effect a little attention might make."

"What did you do to gain their acceptance? If I suggested Lydia learn to manage the budget, she would have screamed the house down," said Mr Bennet, shocked.

"I bought them each an expensive bonnet and gave them some ribbons," smiled Elizabeth sarcastically.

"You cannot be in earnest. Two hats and some ribbons."

"I've helped the matter along with a few of my discarded gowns, which they are wearing tonight," Elizabeth said, making the point home that the issue of the younger girls could be managed very easily. "It will help that Miss Long is properly educated. So far they are mostly learning manners and comportment, since that was the most glaring concern. But they are also dabbling in basic accomplishments. They play chess with me, and I assign them books to read. Once their comportment is acceptable, we can encourage more academics. Both of the girls have shown an inclination since they started reading more than gothic novels."

"Elizabeth, I cannot believe it was that easy. And your stepmother seems to be watching and imitating them. Now who shall I make fun of?" Mr Bennet snarled irritably. He did not enjoy being shown up.

"I expect now all you'll be left with is inviting Kitty to play a round of chess, or asking Lydia about what she's reading. They're worth speaking to," mocked Elizabeth.

"Next you'll suggest I should begin talking to Mrs Bennet." Mr Bennet hauled himself out of the chair, and headed to the card room.

Elizabeth endured the dreaded dance with Mr Godwin, who took the honour to mean he should resume his suit. By the time the set was over Elizabeth was weary of the ball, and wishing to go home. She chatted with Mr and Mrs Hurst, as well as several of the matrons from the neighbourhood, and danced the remaining sets she was engaged for. She kept an eye on Mary, who she was amused to see was overwhelmed with attention, and danced every set. She accepted Sir William's escort in to supper, and listened attentively through the meal as the kindly man spoke animatedly of his happiness at his eldest daughter's marriage.

Elizabeth collected Mary, and the two left the ball after supper, as she always did. She teased Mary on the way home about being the Belle of the Ball.

"It was nice to be a part of the fun rather than watching from the side of the room. But I decided tonight that I wouldn't like to marry any of these local gentlemen. I would prefer to meet someone new," said Mary seriously.

"Why is that, Mary?" inquired Elizabeth.

"I think it is because none of these gentlemen saw me when I was invisible, but they pay court to me now. I have been sitting under their noses my entire life! I do not like the feeling that it took a pink gown and some ribbons for them to notice me. I think I would like to experience meeting someone new, someone interesting, who might think me worth sweeping off my feet," answered Mary.

"You are right that none of these gentlemen deserve you now. They should have noticed you before, and it does not show them to advantage now," agreed Elizabeth. "You will meet many new people, Mary. I have no doubt that you will meet the gentleman you describe. Do not feel that you must find a husband too quickly. I would prefer that you did not marry before your majority anyway. I suspect Papa would create mischief."

As the carriage returned to Lilac Cottage, the ladies spoke of the ball and their impressions of the evening. Mary and Elizabeth were both shocked by Mr Wickham's behaviour, although Elizabeth was certain they had not heard the last of him.

*****

The next day it was heard about Meryton that Lieutenant Wickham would spend a month in lock up for his behaviour at the ball, and that Colonel Forster issued a stern warning to all of his soldiers that ungentlemanly conduct would not be tolerated in his regiment.

Mr and Mrs Bingley returned to London three days after their ball, and renovations began on Netherfield Park. Elizabeth planned several bathing and refreshing chambers, including downstairs in the servants' hall, and upstairs in the servants wing. There would be a pump and basin installed outside the servants' water closets, and it was made known that anytime a servant was seen exiting the water closet, they must also be seen washing their hands immediately after, or face dismissal. Elizabeth was extremely particular about cleanliness.

When the work was completed on Netherfield, the move was made to open the larger house. Elizabeth and Mary spent the next month choosing fabrics and redecorating their own rooms, the nursery, and a few of the principal rooms, starting with the large dining room and formal drawing rooms. Elizabeth planned to host a large dinner party when the work on those rooms was complete, and possibly a ball the following year. She had no need or desire for a ball herself, but it was good to celebrate the house being officially reopened, and it was also polite to do something social for the neighbourhood gentry, and to give support to the local tradesmen.

Kitty and Lydia returned to their usual routines after the ball, visiting Miss Long on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays, and Elizabeth and Mary on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Elizabeth sent her carriage to convey them when the weather was inclement. Their accomplishments continued to grow apace, and their comportment was already much improved. They were beginning to learn more academic subjects. Lydia continued to excel in French, while Kitty was abominable at the subject. Elizabeth endeavoured to begin teaching Kitty Italian, which she took to much better. Elizabeth had taught Diane Italian from a young age, as soon as she began speaking, and the child was perfectly fluent, though she would need to be taught to read and write in both languages. Lydia was chagrined that the child had not begun to learn French, and she and Kitty began visiting on Saturdays as well, Lydia to instruct the child in French, and Kitty began painting murals of nursery rhymes in the nursery.