42. Chapter Forty-Two

Chapter Forty-Two

November 7, 1812 Longbourn Jane

T he black wreath on Longbourn’s door was all that waited to greet the new arrivals. It stung that Mama and her sisters had not appeared to welcome them. She mentally chastised herself. Perhaps something keeps them indoors. It is certainly not the weather.

Indeed, the November air was warmer than usual. Elizabeth would be pleased; it meant she could enjoy the outdoors more before the winter cold set in.

Dear Lizzy . Jane felt relieved to have her sister with her. Elizabeth exited the carriage first, Darcy helping her down, before she followed. Her brother-in-law took her elbow to steady her. Jane thanked him; Henry lay swaddled in her arms, and she could not take Darcy’s hand to step down.

“Where is everyone?” Elizabeth sounded cross. Jane could hardly blame her. The normally stalwart Mrs. Darcy had suffered from nausea during their ride. Her attempts to hide her malaise from her husband had caused the bad temper. Now that they were here, she would doubtlessly seek her bed to rest for a time.

“Inside, I suppose.” Jane carried Henry to the door and opened it, not bothering to ring the bell. Darcy and Elizabeth trailed behind her. The footmen and servants unloaded the trunks and carried them into the house through another door.

“Jane!” Lydia appeared from the small parlor and came forward. “What are you doing here? We had no idea you were coming!”

She frowned. “I sent a letter to Mama two weeks ago telling her when we would arrive,” she said. “Did you not hear of it? Did the letter go astray?”

“Two weeks ago, you said? Why, that is when Mama took to her bed. She claimed ill use and all manner of things. Whatever did you put in that letter to vex her so?” Lydia snorted, shaking her head. “Oh! It is Lizzy and Mr. Darcy, too! We shall make a merry party! I long for some amusement. Uncle Phillips says we cannot go into Meryton or attend any events because we are in mourning.”

“Our uncle has the right of it,” Elizabeth cut in. “I promise we shall attempt to provide you with amusement to satisfy your boredom.”

Hill appeared a moment later, her shock as evident at Lydia’s. “Why, Miss Jane! Or rather, Mrs. Collins. Welcome home!”

“Thank you, Hill.” Jane nodded to the old housekeeper. “I can see you, too, were not informed of our coming. We shall need chambers prepared. Put me in my father’s rooms, since my mother has not vacated the mistress’s chambers as I instructed.”

“I am afraid I do not understand. Where is Mrs. Bennet to move?” Hill’s confusion only stoked Jane’s ire.

“My mother may have any vacant room in this house except the master’s and mistress’s chambers. Since I am mistress of Longbourn until my son comes of age, those rooms are mine and his by right.” Jane stood taller, affecting a serious look. “I shall speak to my mother about her choice. Meanwhile, put Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth in the chamber they last occupied. Ah, here is Mrs. Moore.”

Jane turned to the wet nurse and handed her the baby. “Mrs. Moore will need to be shown to a clean room. Perhaps Mrs. Darcy’s old chamber—I assume the nursery has not been aired as I requested.” A maid appeared and led the nurse and her charge away at Mrs. Hill’s word.

“I am sorry, madam. None of us knew you were coming.” The poor housekeeper wrung her hands anxiously. “Do forgive me!”

“It is not your fault, Hill. Pray, send a messenger to fetch my Uncle Phillips, and then inform the kitchen there will be more for dinner tonight.”

Hill curtseyed and hurried to do her new mistress’s will. Meanwhile, Jane turned to Darcy and Elizabeth and shrugged. “She likely read my letter and took to her rooms, hoping that if she were still there when I arrived that I would not force her to move.”

“Are you going to speak with her now?” Elizabeth asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I am. Will you accompany me?” She turned to Hill. “I would like Sally, Molly, John, and James to come as well. They will be helping to transport my mother’s belongings to another chamber. Since she has not bothered to pick her own, we shall select one for her. I think the room at the end of the hall will suffice.”

She should not feel so satisfied with herself. It had been expected that Mrs. Bennet would throw a fit about relinquishing her chambers, but it had to be done. The room at the end of the hall was not the smallest, but neither was it the largest of the remaining empty family chambers. The décor in the room might be a little dated, but it would be suitable for Mrs. Bennet for now.

The maids and the footmen scrambled to obey their new mistress. Jane linked arms with Elizabeth, and both ladies nodded to Mr. Darcy before starting up the stairs. Hill and the servants followed, and when they reached the mistress’s chambers, Jane tried the handle without bothering to knock. Naturally, the door was locked.

She tapped on the door. “Mama, open this door now, or I shall have Hill do it!” No sound came from within and so Hill stepped forward, holding up a key and then sliding it into the lock. The sound of the tumblers alerted Jane that their endeavors were successful, and she tried the handle again.

The door came open without issue. She and Elizabeth stepped inside, leaving the servants in the hall for the moment. The dark room smelled heavily of perfume. A few candles burned near the bed, but the drapes were drawn, making it hard to see. Elizabeth strode across the room and threw open the drapes, letting light in.

“What has happened in here?” she said in shock.

Their mother’s room sat in a state of disarray. There were gowns and other things thrown on chairs and footstools. The cluttered dressing table seemed to be spewing forth jewelry and hairpins.

“Has anyone been in here in the last two weeks?” Jane asked, turning to Hill, who stood in the doorway.

“Just Sally, madam. She was directed to leave the tray. We always collect the old tray when we bring a new one.”

“Where is my mother?” Elizabeth said, looking around. “She is not here.”

Jane frowned and moved to the door that adjoined the master’s chamber. She turned the handle and pushed it open. Elizabeth followed her through the door. There, in Mr. Bennet’s wingback chair by the window, sat Mrs. Bennet. She still wore her dressing gown and nightcap, the lace and frills making her look exceedingly ridiculous.

“You cannot remove me!” she screeched. Mrs. Bennet stood, swaying a little. “I am the mistress of Longbourn! Only me!”

Jane wrinkled her nose, noting the half-empty bottle sitting next to their mother. “Lizzy, what has she been drinking?” She pointed to the bottle and the glass next to it. The dark liquid did not look at all like wine.

“That appears to be Father’s best brandy.” Amusement colored Elizabeth’s tone.

“I might have known, Miss—hic—Lizzy!” Mrs. Bennet cried, pointing a finger at her daughter. “My dear, sweet, Jane would—hic—never cast me out. But you ! You would do it!” She swayed again before dropping back into the chair. She began to cry, weeping noisily. “My husband is dead. Mr. Collins is dead. And yet I shall still be thrown to the hedgerows!”

“I said nothing about the hedgerows, Mama.” Jane tried to be patient, but this entire thing was ridiculous. “You will have a nice room down the hall.”

“That is not my room!”

Jane sucked in a breath. “I shall not argue with you while you are in your cups, Mama.” She turned to the footmen. “Help Mrs. Bennet to her new accommodations. Sally will accompany you and see that my mother rests.”

The footmen came to either side of the chair, helping Mrs. Bennet to her feet and leading her away. She stumbled drunkenly, weeping and wailing as she went. When all was silent, Jane sighed loudly and sank down on a footstool, putting her head in her hands.

“That was well done, Jane.” Elizabeth came and stood next to her, placing her hand on her shoulder. “Whatever was Mama thinking, drinking half a bottle of brandy?”

Jane started chuckling. Elizabeth joined her and they both laughed until tears came. When their mirth ended, Jane stood, brushing her hands on her skirt to free it of wrinkles.

“Start in the mistress’s chambers, Mrs. Hill,” she directed. “You and Martha will have my mother’s things removed before bed tonight, please.”

Mrs. Hill nodded, and she and Martha got to work. Promising to return shortly, she left the room with Elizabeth in tow. “I have yet to see Kitty or Mary,” she mused. “Where do you suppose they are?”

A few moments later, they found the two missing sisters. They were both in the larger parlor. Mary played the piano and Kitty drew quietly in the corner. Lydia, too, had joined them there and sat at a table pulling apart a bonnet.

“Lydia said we had best wait to greet you,” Kitty said, standing and tossing her drawing paper aside. “Welcome!” She hugged both her sisters, as did Mary, and they expressed their congratulations on the birth of their nephew.

“Has our mother kept herself locked away for long?” Jane asked.

“It is as I said earlier,” Lydia replied. “It has been two weeks. Since the time you claim a letter should have come.”

“Her behavior is understandable.” Mary came around the piano. The black gown she wore made her look ghastly. “She has been mistress of Longbourn for above two decades. Stepping aside for her daughter must be difficult.”

“What did she expect would happen?” Elizabeth rolled her eyes.

“Oh, that is easy. Mama went on and on about how she would not lose her place since Jane is so obliging.” Lydia snorted again. “I thought she would be right. But Jane, you have surprised me, which is no easy feat, for I am never surprised. I thought you would return to your old chamber with your baby and live there forever.”

“I am sorry to disappoint you, Lydia, but I have no intention of ceding my place as mistress.” I have earned it, Jane thought bitterly.

“I am just happy you have come! Now I shall not be so bored!” Lydia tossed her curls and picked up a ribbon, wrapping it around the brim of the bonnet.

“Where is our nephew?” Mary asked tentatively. “I should like to see him.”

“He is with his wet nurse, but I shall fetch him directly once he has finished his meal.” Jane smiled. “He is a very good baby.”

“Please tell me that he does not look like Mr. Collins.” Kitty’s pleading tone caused a bubble of laughter to emerge from Jane and soon all five sisters were chuckling good naturedly.

“Elizabeth thinks he favors me,” Jane said, wiping her eyes. “I think she is correct.”

“Oh, that is very good.” Lydia smirked. “I had hoped he would be handsome instead of… well, you know.”

She did know. Jane shook her head, saying nothing.

“I believe I shall go find my husband,” Elizabeth said at length.

“Yes, your Mr . Darcy . How surprised we all were when we learned you were to marry him!” Kitty snickered. “Did he not insult you? How can you stand being married to a man who finds you only tolerable?”

“I assure you, Miss Catherine, that I have long considered your sister to be the handsomest woman of my acquaintance.”

As one, the sisters turned toward the doorway where Mr. Darcy stood. His serious expression was softened by the affection in his gaze as he looked at his wife. Elizabeth blushed prettily, smiling in return.

“Oh, that is a good joke!” Lydia cried. “Lizzy, I hope you did not forgive him too easily. A man must atone for his poor behavior.”

“I promise that I made Mr. Darcy suffer long enough.” Elizabeth rolled her eyes and cast an apologetic look at her husband.

“Since you seem to like him now, I suppose I cannot hate him any longer. He must not be as bad as we heard. You do not suffer fools or arrogance, Lizzy.”

Kitty echoed her sister’s words and Mary said nothing. Jane decided to depart when Mr. Hill, the butler, announced that Uncle Phillips had arrived.

“Show him to the study, Hill,” Jane directed. “Lizzy, Mr. Darcy, will you come?”

They nodded and followed Jane from the room and down the hall to their father’s sanctuary. The door stood open, waiting to admit them, and they entered slowly. Nothing had changed since Jane had last been in this room. The desk still had papers all over it, and there were still stacks of books around the room. Mr. Phillips stood by the desk, a stack of papers in his hand.

“My dear nieces, it is good to see you both. And Mr. Darcy.” Mr. Phillips bowed and asked if they might be seated. “There is much to discuss,” he said. “It could wait, but since you asked me to come, I brought everything we needed to finalize matters.”

He cleared his throat and began explaining the details of the entail. “With the birth of your son, Henry Thomas Collins, the entail of Longbourn in Hertfordshire has dissolved. As his mother and only guardian, you are trustee of the estate and will manage things until he reaches his majority.”

Mr. Phillips adjusted his spectacles and continued. “These documents detail everything included in the entail.” They spent the next hour going over the documents. Jane asked many questions, as did Mr. Darcy. Mr. Phillips seemed relieved that his niece would have assistance as she stepped into her new role.

“What of my sisters? Is my mother their guardian?” Elizabeth asked.

“No. Mr. Gardiner, followed by me, was named by your father. They may continue to live with their mother, or they may go with one of their married sisters if they so choose. Since Longbourn has no dower house, Mrs. Bennet can take a small cottage in town or she may stay here, if you are willing, Jane.”

“My mother may stay as long as she does not attempt to usurp my authority.” Jane’s voice was firm despite how nervous she felt. I have already been subject to that and have no wish to experience it again.

“Very well. Where is she now so that we might speak? I wish to remind her to stay within her means. I am responsible for dispensing her pin money, and that of the other girls.”

“Mama is… indisposed at the moment.” Elizabeth sounded amused.

“She is resting.” Jane cut in. “We found that she was overwrought upon our arrival and had her tucked securely into bed.”

Uncle Phillips raised an eyebrow, but Jane met his gaze without blinking, unwilling to explain further. After a moment, he looked away, shrugging. “Let me know if you need anything. Have you been communicating with the steward?”

“Yes. He seems to be a capable man and has not tried to challenge my decisions. He is willing to teach me, and to offer advice, which I value highly.” Yes, Jane was very pleased with Mr. Brown. Though they had not met in person, his letters spoke of his intelligence. Mr. Bennet had chosen him well.

“Very good. I am off to Meryton, then. Your aunt will have dinner waiting.” He donned his hat and bid them farewell before leaving the house.

“That went well,” she said, rubbing a hand over her eyes. She felt so tired. The journey and the upheaval that day were enough to wear anyone out.

“Let us retire until it is time to dress for dinner,” Elizabeth suggested. “Henry must be missing you by now.”

Jane nodded and followed her sister from the study, leaving Darcy leafing through a stack of papers on Mr. Bennet’s desk. They went upstairs after informing the three youngest Bennets where they would be. The staff was still busy moving Mrs. Bennet’s things from the mistress’s chambers to the room down the hall, and so Jane resolved to take Elizabeth’s former chamber for the afternoon.

As she laid down and closed her eyes, familiar images flashed in her mind. An elegant ballroom, a handsome man with reddish-blond hair in a blue coat… These memories swirled with more recent ones, and as she drifted off, she remembered. Mr. Bingley had returned to Netherfield over two months ago.

How am I to survive, knowing that he is so close, yet so far away? She sighed. She still loved him. Some small part of her wished him success in his quest to show her his heart was true. Another part of her scorned the thought of becoming another man’s wife. Though her subservience had been of short duration, she had endured more than enough of that sort of relationship. No, she had gone against her vows to marry for romantic love and equal affections once. She would never do so again.