A Governess for Longbourne Read online

  It was a rare morning that Lizzy did not take her early walk, this time for cause, as they were out so late at the ball the night before. A light breakfast was laid out in the dining room with plenty of strong tea, and the sisters straggled in as they were ready for the day. Lydia was the first at table, for no matter of pique, of whatever duration ever interfered with her appetite. "I don't see why I had to move, Kitty has fewer things, and she would do better in that plain cupboard than I." Lydia's complaints continued on; she had begun as soon as a person could be heard stirring in the hall before even any of the rest of the family had risen from their beds. First, the lighting was wrong, the sun coming in her eyes first thing, then her clothes were all out of sorts, despite being in better order than she normally kept them. The coverlet was plain and scratchy, the bed hard, the room too cool and the water not hot enough. As she began her third litany since he sat down, Mr. Bennett finished his toast, emptied his teacup and since all were seated, enlightened them all to the reasons for the new circumstances.

  "Enough, Lydia!" He snapped in a tone that spoke of calling down hellfire. She immediately stopped her whining, not out of obedience, but out of surprise, for it was the first time in her memory she recalled him raising his voice at her. "Here is how it will be. I have decided that Kitty does not deserve your ill treatment, and so have removed you from her room. Since you have been acting as a child, you are not going to be out in society again until you have learned the lessons your sisters have been trying so hard to teach you, but neither should they be burdened with the task of trying to teach you any longer, when you are determined to not learn the importance of kind intention and proper conduct. Kitty and Mary may continue "Lady lessons" with Jane and Lizzy, I will instruct them in scholastic achievements, but you will have a governess. Mrs. Young arrives this morning and her sole task is to turn you into an accomplished young lady, a monumental charge to be sure. Furthermore, any complaints, tirades, or the like will result in a cost to you of three shillings from your pin money, to go to the sister the episode is directed towards or about, if not directly regarding one of your sisters, the money will be split between them."

  Throughout, this speech was punctuated with cries of offense and unfairness from Lydia, while her sister's food grew cold, each in various states of shock and surprise. There had not been a governess at Longbourne since their grandfather's generation grew up. Suddenly the placement of Lydia in the old nursery as a bed chamber made sense in Mr. Bennett's own brand of irony. All who knew better kept their thoughts to themselves, and did not comment on their father's pronouncement; all but Lydia.

  "Governess! Why should I have a governess? And no amusements, that is..." The litany of excuses was cut short by Mr. Bennett saying that was two [complaints] and six shillings. She then jumped out of chair and flounced to the stairs. "Well Kitty, it looks as if you shall be able to replace your perfume bottle today, on Lydia's account." coins clinked and jangled as he pulled them from his pocket, and placed nine shillings before her.

  "I wish to speak to Mrs. Young, soon as she arrives." He instructed Mrs. Hill as he retreated to his library to review the accounts.

  "What a striking turn of events!" Kitty exclaimed. "We must not rejoice in the misfortunes of another, however much it be of their own doing." Mary sermonized. "Never matter, Mary, Kitty, this morning, your assignments are to please write your Aunt Gardiner regarding how well your new gowns turned out. Her styles you wore to the Assembly last night were very flattering and pretty. She would be glad of an account." Lizzy said. "When someone extends you help and advice, in situations like this, it is good to let them know how it helped you and how glad you were of it," Jane explained. "When your letters are complete, please continue your reading of whatever book you have been working on, and we shall walk into Meryton in the afternoon."

  It was a quiet morning at Longbourne, Jane visiting with Mrs. Bennett, telling her all about the Assembly and the attendees, describing the notable costumes in kind detail, the manners of the newcomers, which were nothing short of fine in Jane's estimation. she described the cheerful Mr. Bingley and the soulful Mr. Darcy, the immaculately dressed Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, including a clear picture of the beautiful lace on Mrs. Hurt's gown.

  Lizzie was deep into a book, wrapped up in the world of her characters when the sound of Carriage wheels turned into the drive.

  The woman who emerged wore a dark gray traveling coat over a brown silk gown, with a dark blue scarf, all items being out of last year's style book, and well cared for, but not new. The lady took a moment to shake the dust off her coat and pat her curls in place nervously before entering the portico at Mrs. Hill's beckoning.

  Jane, Lizzie, and Mary were gathered in the foyer when Mrs. Young emerged from the library a short time after her arrival. Mrs. Hill made the introductions of "Miss Bennett, Miss Elizabeth Bennett, and Miss Mary Bennett." "Mrs. Young, welcome to Longbourne," said Jane. "Mrs. Hill will show you about." "Jane, Lizzie, I was going to look for you, come into my room," said Mr. Bennett excitedly, continuing on once the door was closed. "And, what are your observations on the much maligned new governess?" He asked as they settled in. "It is quite soon father, but she appears to be conscientious and of a steady personality." "Yes, my thoughts were the same from our short interview." "Have you met her somewhere before, Father?" Jane inquired. "No. I would not normally put so much trust in a stranger, but she was highly recommended by the top agencies in London. I suppose time will tell, and what harm could be done under our noses, as it were." He said with a deprecating laugh. "Now, about your journey." "Journey?" Jane and Lizzie asked as one. "Your Aunt and Uncle Gardiner have extended an invitation to you both to London for a time and will bring you home when they come for Christmas. A holiday, which I believe to be a fine idea." "But to leave Mary and Kitty, just now when they have come so far?" Jane worried. "Exactly now, would be a fine time; there are not many parties to attend, and it will allow the girls to see how they get along without you in society. Time for them to practice what you have been preaching, as it were." His eyebrows lifted. "Now, I do believe that you have packing to do." He said with finality, dismissing them to restore the tranquility of his study, not that either of his two sensible girls ever gave him cause to rue any interruption or time spent with them, but there were some things he could not dwell on with these two around without being asked what troubled him.

  And troubling it was, that he had five daughters, little in the way of dowry for any of them, and an estate that by law, could not be inherited by a female until there were no males left in any branch of the family, no matter how many generations back one had to track to find a living male relative. It was something Mrs. Bennett had harped on many a time if only he had listened sooner.

  The home farm provided little in the way of invest-able cash, most profit going to repairs to existing homes and small improvements on the estate. Mr. Gardiner may be useful in this situation, he thought and began to pen a letter of business to his brother-in-law regarding making a share investment in his next shipment and included a bank note for the sum of a thousand pounds. While it was not a large investment in any terms, it was better than what he had done before, which was nothing. At least now perhaps he was on the right track. A sizable dowry it would not make, but a modest amount of cash in addition to the fifty pounds a year that was the girls' dowries, might improve their prospect-ability to certain circles in the marriage market.

  The road was in good repair and Jane and Elizabeth made good time until halfway to London when it seemed that the sky fell in. Such a storm had not been seen all summer and autumn, and the fact it showed on such a day, as to make the trip difficult was bemoaned by all; the driver, the footman, who was actually one of the farm hands, but came along for protection, Elizabeth, and while Jane did not actually say anything cross about the situation, her face did betray her feelings somewhat.

  The horses slogged into the drive at the Horse and Galley where a man rushed out wit
h an umbrella to assist the ladies and stable hands hurried to get the horses out of the weather.

  "Bingley, isn't that the Bennett carriage?" Darcy asked his reclining friend who shot upright with clattering feet hitting the floor, where they had previously been on the opposite chair. Just then, a maid arrived with the ordered victuals and whiskey and the gentlemen overheard the innkeeper through the open door, saying that they were all out of private parlors, "Due to the storm, you see." Bingley quickly suggested to the maid, and Darcy agreed that the Bennett party would be most welcome to join them. "Yes, Sirs. At once!" The young maid dropped a curtsy and beat a path the innkeeper's side with the invitation.

  "How very fortunate! Miss Bennett, good morning." Bingley said bowing to both. Greetings were exchanged in the manner of polite society and the gentlemen held chairs at the table for the ladies. Bingley taking the one he had previously been so rude as to put his boots on. "It is quite a surprise to find you ladies on the London road, attending to matters of business perhaps?" Bingley's humorous question eliciting the desired response. He would do anything to hear the laughter of one lovely, Miss Jane Bennett. "A late invitation to visit with our Aunt and Uncle until Christmas." She said sweetly. "All is well with your family, I trust?" Lizzie asked. "Yes, yes quite so." Bingley rushed to assure her. "Matters of business bring us to town." Bingley stammered for lack of thought, for all of his were centered on the angel seated across from him. "Your Uncle is in trade, I believe," Darcy said to start a conversation. "Yes, that is correct Sir. Mr. Gardiner is in shipping." "Not, the Mr. Gardiner of Gardiner's Imports?" "The very same," Elizabeth replied, taking in Darcy's manners and reactions, for she still had not made out his character, and what better gauge than the revelation of low connections. If she expected him to display pride and arrogance at the connection, she was sorely disappointed. "Mr. Gardiner! Why exploits of his ships are all the talk of London!" He said excitedly. "They ran Bonaparte's blockades on the French coast, all for a load of wine. The wine that graced the royal table for the Prince's wedding anniversary, but wine nonetheless." "How romantic! exclaimed Jane.

  "Romantic, Miss Bennett?" Bingley queried. "I should think romance was equated with flowers and verse, not swashbuckling adventure. "It is so, as well Mr. Bingley. Not all romance is softness and coziness." "Indeed, a Lady might get quite bored with such and violin music. Lizzie quipped. "A little adventure is required for a good romance, me sirs. A hearth side in winter can only warm the body, the spirit requires adventurous memories." "Or a vivid imagination?" Darcy finished.

  The time passed amiably with steady and amusing conversation, and hot food and tea. Victuals for the ladies having been brought in by the maid just moments after they had taken their seats. But with the rain letting up, the carriage driver interrupted with apologies and the suggestion that they should continue on if they were to reach Gracechurch street by nightfall. The bill having been settled before even receiving their meal, there was naught to do but shrug into traveling coats, and adorn bonnets and hats before the ladies were handed into their carriage before the door, and the gentlemen's mounts were ready.

  "So kind of Mr. Darcy to offer to ride along with us, although I believe he may have exaggerated the need for protection." Jane's eyes sparkled with good humor, seeing what Elizabeth did not. He had mentioned roving bands of pies thieves as he handed her into the carriage, and she had settled in with a laugh.

  "Quite unexpected as our destinations are so dissimilar. Very nearly on opposite sides of the city; not on their way at all." "Have you any new observations of his character?" "I wonder at how they are friends, their manners are so different. Your Mr. Bingley is disposed to be everything charming, but Mr. Darcy is proud and aloof in great company." "He is not my Mr. Bingley, Lizzie." Jane reproved, blushing. "And I think you paint Mr. Darcy with too an unkind brush. He was not at all aloof today, but all ease and friendliness and most entertaining with the stories of Uncle's ships." "Perhaps I am wrong about him, he almost seems like like a different person today than at the party in Meryton. Is it the lowly company? Or does he believe himself ill qualified to recommend himself to strangers?" "I am certain you will have your answer soon Lizzie." Jane smiled. "Perhaps. Or, perhaps he will prove an unsolvable mystery." Lizzie replied with no little amusement.

  The rest of their journey was dry and uneventful. The quiet dirt roads and trees gave way to cobblestones, chimney stacks and throngs of people. The hustle and bustle of London never ceased to fascinate Lizzy, bringing out the sparkle of her eyes and a mysterious smile to her face, that was noticed by a certain, tall, dark hair gentleman who had moved up to ride beside the coach. It was a good thing his overly self-important Aunt, Lady Catherine could not see him, for she would certainly have a loudly expressed, demanding opinion on his riding as an outrider to two young, unattached ladies with such low connections. If Darcy examined his own heart though, he would find that he would choose this "degradation" any day of the week, if only to be near the woman who made his heart smile again. It had been many years since he had felt anything close to being happy, and here he was, a woman, barely within the circles of the gentry, one whose connections were far lower than his own, with no dowry to speak of, and little but her fine eyes and rapier wit to recommend her, was the one his mind strayed to. To anyone looking at the party, Darcy was the picture of boredom and one would think, more than a little preoccupied with thoughts that did not agree with him.

  Bingley however, had pulled up on the other side and was having a conversation with Miss Bennett through the opened window of the coach regarding previous trips to town, and favorite sights and common events. His manner as energetic and charming as ever, no one would guess he had traveled half the breadth of England that day, but for the dust on his coat.

  The parlor at Gracechurch street was comfortable and cozy and all four travelers were welcomed with great excitement. Mrs. Gardiner, Darcy found, was the picture of a steady and supportive wife, doting on her children and nieces alike. It was obvious to even a blind man that the Bennett sisters adored their Aunt and she loved them as daughters. He could see why they seemed so happy to be sent off to visit, not many families enjoyed such closeness and affection, not his certainly; Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam being the exception.

  Lizzie inwardly rolled her eyes at Mr. Darcy's silence, he was just as she had thought, proud and taciturn when in the company of those beneath him. Why should the parlor of a family in trade be any different than the Assembly rooms at Meryton, though he had been lively enough at luncheon. "We are not keeping you from some important business, I hope, Mr. Darcy." "Not at all, Mrs, Gardiner, forgive me, I am rarely qualified to recommend myself to strangers; though I am predisposed to approve of your family; anyone who Miss Bennett cares for and respects so much must be someone worth knowing." He replied with a look at Elizabeth. "A fine speech indeed Sir." Elizabeth teased. "Does this mean we are a little more than tolerable now?" She said quietly, only for his hearing, though Jane seemed to have heard it from Lizzie's other side. Darcy's head snapped in her direction, as she gave him that 'holding a secret' smile with twinkling eyes that Darcy hoped were telling him that his rudeness from only days prior was forgiven. He had said it in response to Charles' cajoling him to dance again at the Assembly.

  He tuned back into the conversation to hear Jane answering Mrs. Gardiner's inquiry into the health of Mrs. Bennett. "She is in good spirits, and good health but for not being able to come down at all. She is quite confined still, but overall better than expected." "You were teaching Mary, Kitty, and Lydia, how are they getting along in their studies?" Lizzie replied, "Father is quite happy with their progress." "You left assignments for them for the autumn?" "Mary and Kitty, yes. They will be working together on some studies, and I believe Father mentioned teaching all three about basic estate day to day management." "Oh, quite a forward thinking endeavor." "It would be useful to an estate if the lady were knowledgeable in the management of it, should the need arise." "Would
you want your wife managing your estate Bingley?" Darcy asked. "My pride would say no, but my sense would say that she would probably do better than I ever could!" He laughed. "And you, Mr. Darcy? Lizzie queried. "Would you allow your wife to assist in the decisions for the good or ill of your family's future security?" "Out of daily necessity, no: But in the case of immediate need," He trailed off. "You are more of the traditional thought then?" Mrs. Gardiner asked without judgment or ill thought. "I suppose it depends upon whom I wed, Mrs. Gardiner. If she were a woman of good sense, and steady temper, I believe I could depend on her sound judgment for such a task, not that I should wish to burden her with such." Such a statement from Darcy was not one in keeping with the arrogant man she thought him to be. Perhaps there was more to him as Jane had said. "And how will Lydia be applying herself, literature, domestic skills?" Mrs. Gardiner redirected. "We do not know," Jane said. "Our father has hired a governess for Lydia." "Mr. Bennett actually hired a governess? Has he had a change of heart then? He once said that your mother was more than capable." "That was they only had Jane and Elizabeth to teach, I believe, my dear." Mr. Gardiner said. "Miss Lydia is a spunky sort, then?" Bingley asked cheerfully. "Yes. Quite." Jane approved of his gentle description of their stubborn, defiant little sister. Lydia had not been an easy one to teach. She did not like the strictures on her time or the near constant reproofs and directions from herself and Lizzie. "Father believes Mrs. Young will be well suited for her." She sipped her steaming tea.

  "What?" Darcy grated. "Mrs. Young, you said?" "Yes," Lizzie said matter-of-factually. "Mrs. Henrietta Young?" "Do you know of her Mr. Darcy?" "She was my sister Georgiana's companion this past summer at Ramsgate." Darcy suddenly rose. "She will be expecting me soon. Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennett, Miss Elizabeth." He said with bows to each in turn. "Thank you for your hospitality." And strode out of the room, the sound of his retreating footsteps followed by the thud of the front door closing. Mr. Bingley soon followed, but not without making a request to call the following day.