Hello fabulous readers! Though I took off the month of March to rest and make plans for a few months out of school, I did prepare another excerpt of An Interrupted Proposal.
If you want to get caught up or reread the prior posts, here are the links (in the proper order):
What if?, What if? Part II, The Letter, Elizabeth’s Perspective, A Walk at Rosings, A Walk at Rosings Part II, What to Do About Wickham, Return to London, Meet the Gardiners, Meet the Gardiners Part II, Meet the Gardiners Part III, Return to Hertfordshire, The Problem with Wickham Part I, The Problem With Wickham Part II, Elizabeth Arrives in London Part I, Elizabeth Arrives in London Part II, A Walk in the Park, After the Park, A Trip to the Museum, Darcy House, An Audience with Mr. Bennet Part I, An Audience with Mr. Bennet Part II, Mrs. Bennet’s Reaction, A Walk to Meryton, A Night at the Theatre, Return to Hertfordshire (2), Return to Longbourn, and Return to Longbourn Part II.
Last time, Mr. Bennet called Mr. Darcy out for taking action to improve the Bennet family without discussing it with its patriarch. Let’s see how things are progressing.
The Longbourn party arrived at Netherfield early enough for a stroll in the gardens before taking tea. Once refreshments were served on the patio, Mr. Bennet tapped his spoon against his cup to garner everyone’s attention.
“I am aware the ladies are anxious to begin their wedding discussions, but I would like to have everyone’s attention before Bingley, Darcy, and I escape for more masculine surroundings.” He turned his attention to his youngest daughters who appeared more attentive than he ever remembered them being. “Mr. Darcy has previously spoken to Lydia regarding taking up residence at Pemberley following the wedding in order to take advantage of Mrs. Annesley’s teaching. I have reprimanded him for speaking out of turn.”
Lydia’s brow furrowed, but to her credit, she did not cry out. Instead, she waited patiently, though her toe began a soft staccato against the stones.
“Upon hearing of the offer, I wrote to my brother Gardiner and requested he advise Darcy that a new husband would not appreciate the presence of younger sisters when he brought his bride home.”
Darcy, Elizabeth, and Mrs. Bennet all reddened; though the matron nodded as she exchanged a knowing look with Mrs. Annesley. Mr. Bennet continued without a glance in their direction.
“But,” Lydia looked between her father and Mr. Darcy, frantically attempting to maintain the calm façade she had developed since meeting Miss Darcy. Taking a deep breath, she lowered her shoulders and looked hopefully towards Darcy. “But Mr. Darcy promised, and it would be the most shameful thing in the world if he did not keep his promise.”
Mr. Bennet staid Darcy’s response with a hand. “Mr. Darcy has made quite a few promises of late, and I intend to ensure that he keeps the most important one.” He looked to the younger man with a smirk tugging at the left side of him mouth. “Mr. Darcy has promised to make your sister Elizabeth the happiest of ladies, and I believe that is the most important of promises. Do you not agree? As such, I am releasing him from any promises which may impede his success with that one.”
Before Lydia could cry out, as the sharp intake of air suggested she was about to do, Mr. Bennet stepped before her. “In releasing him from those promises, I take them on myself.”
Lydia’s eyes grew large and her jaw slowly fell open, then snapped shut and she snorted. “Then it will not be.” She turned to Kitty. “I knew it wouldn’t happen.” Her lip quivered ever so slightly before a petulant expression covered her countenance. “I wonder if Harriett will agree to take me to Brighton if I tell her I have changed my mind.”
“Lydia,” Elizabeth cried.
“No, Lizzy,” Mr. Bennet said as he knelt in front of Lydia. “She is right to believe as she does. Why should she trust me to fulfil a promise when I have not done so in the past?” He glanced over his shoulder. “Are you paying attention, gentlemen? Begin as you mean to go.” He looked back at his youngest daughter. “Lydia, I have failed you as a father in many ways. Will you give me a chance to prove myself?”
The girl blinked several times. “Mr. Darcy said I would learn everything needed to find a husband who can support me.”
“And you will,” Mr. Bennet said with a nod.
“But Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley will return to Pemberley with Lizzy and Mr. Darcy.”
“Have you not been listening? I said Darcy would not appreciate the presence of younger sisters.” He turned to Georgiana, tipping his head her direction. “Not that you are a trial of any sort, Miss Darcy. They will simply wish for their privacy for a time.” Returning his attention to Lydia, he continued. “Miss Darcy and her companion will not be going to Pemberley in the near future.”
The young girls exchanged looks. “But where will they go?” Lydia finally asked.
“If they are willing and Mr. Darcy approves, they will remain at Longbourn.”
Lydia’s eyes widened once more, and she grasped Kitty’s hand. “Truly?”
“Will you mind Mrs. Annesley and abide by her rules?”
With her head nodding furiously, Lydia agreed. “Oh yes, I will. You will, too, won’t you, Kitty?”
“Yes,” Kitty replied, a bit more subdued.
“Very well.” Mr. Bennet placed a hand upon the floor and pushed himself upwards, moaning as he straightened his legs. “Then I suggest Mrs. Annesley, Miss Darcy, Lydia, Kitty, and I adjourn to the library to discuss what will be expected in the coming months.”
Lydia leapt from her seat and kissed her father on the cheek before a blush stole across her cheeks and she curtseyed to him instead. “Thank you, Papa,” she said in a quiet voice.
“You are welcome, my dear.” He offered her his arm and they led the others into the house.
“Well,” Mrs. Bennet said after the door closed behind the group. “I am torn as to where I should be.”
“With us,” Jane said as she laid a hand on her mother’s arm. “We have a double wedding to plan after all and will need your assistance.”
Do you think Mr. Bennet will make good on his promises? If not, I am sure Lydia will remind him. 😉
Enjoy this lovely month (my birthday month) and keep an eye out for some specials around the 16th. 😉 😀
(Oh, do you like my Netherfield Park? I spent a night at this manor house in Wales a few years ago and now it is my model for Netherfield Park. It is Mellington Hall, and I highly recommend it. We stayed in the Priest Weston Suite. The stairs were on the loud side, lol, but the staff was amazing. https://mellingtonhall.co.uk/)
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