EBBD Chapters IV and V

Well, I am about two thirds of the way through Elizabeth Bennet’s Bad Days.

This will be the last post for this book, but only for a little while. First of all, I am making some changes after Chapter V that may involve shifting chapters. So I will stop here until I finish the entire book as well as finalize the order of the chapters.

Also, when it’s published, I would like to see how well it is received by the readers. I’ll take 2-4 weeks to test that out, and then I’ll post the rest of the chapters for several months so readers of AlwaysAusten can finish the book.

I will admit that I am really enjoying writing this particular variation. However, it has been quite a challenge in some respects. COVID for three weeks with a 40 pound weight loss and some other things slowed me down more than I would have liked. Things are better and Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, I will finally get this book published. In the meantime, I’m having a ball working out the plot.

So read on, my friends, and enjoy Chapters IV and V of EBBD.

Chapter IV

An Incident in Meryton

The next morning even Elizabeth slept later and missed the time for her usual morning walk. Mrs. Hill had arranged for the breaking of the family’s fast to occur about three hours later than normal. The only exception was Mr. Bennet. Because he didn’t attend the assembly, he had his breakfast at the usual hour but consumed it in the privacy of his study. Soon enough would be the time for the entire household to ring with Mrs. Bennet’s and the girls’ chatter as they discussed the assembly ad nauseum for the next two days among themselves and neighbors that visited. The only breaks from the shrieks and giggles would be when they visited with other attendees or wandered off to Meryton to seek out more ribbons and purchase shoe roses to replace those crushed by careless dance partners.

Bennet let out a loud sigh when he heard his two youngest daughters all but running down the staircase. Grateful that neither of them fell, he went back to reading his book and kept his study door locked.

However, he was still able to hear the drone of their chatter as they ate and compared the assembly to past ones. He was able to block most of it out by concentrating on his reading except for the occasional shriek which would make him twitch.

With a sigh, Mr. Bennet finally gave up and closed his book. He should have expected the chaos would interfere with his day. But having both prior assemblies cancelled because of the weather had meant that last night’s gathering had been special and would be dissected and inspected probably for the next two weeks. Not only did he not look forward to that, but he also was bothered by the discussion with his two eldest children after the evening of dancing and visiting old friends. Elizabeth’s Plan B was intruding on his peace and quiet, and he was gradually becoming a bit agitated when considering what Lizzy meant by ‘Plan B.’ He feared that it meant to be something more than just a simple solution to the problem of Lydia. He suspected that it would be something that would interrupt his peace, and that he would not tolerate.

Getting up from his chair, he poured himself a small amount of Port, although it was much earlier in the day from his usual wont. Then he grimaced as the thought that he might be developing a nervous condition similar to Mrs. Bennet’s crossed his mind. This time his sigh was much more audible.

***

“Mama, Kitty and I are going to Meryton. I need to replace my shoe roses that John Lucas ruined, and we want some sweets from the confectioner.

Mrs. Bennet smiled at her youngest daughter who was her favorite. “Bring me some peppermint sticks if they still have some. I will give you some money before you go.”

Elizabeth pondered whether or not she desired the visit to Meryton as well and decided that she and Jane needed to go in order to restrain Lydia’s antics. She and Kitty both had behaved poorly the night before, and Lizzy feared that her sisters’ enthusiasm about the militia could possibly ruin the Bennets’ reputations if they refused to act like young, respectable ladies.

“I will go as well to chaperone.”

“No, Lizzy. We don’t need you coming to spoil our fun.”

“I will also join you as I have some ribbons I wish to purchase.”

“You are more than welcome, Jane,” Lizzy said with a smile. “You are always a pleasant addition to our shopping forays.”

And although Lydia pouted, it was soon settled that Jane and Lizzy would watch over the two younger girls to make sure they didn’t embarrass the Bennet family any more than they already had.

In his study, Bennet sighed in relief as he had heard the end of the discussion and preferred that Elizabeth and Jane both curb his youngest two’s unbridled enthusiasm. Perhaps the rest of his day would be fairly peaceful.

***

Although Meryton was only a mile from Longbourn, Lydia and Kitty ran part of the way despite admonitions from their two older sisters. Mary had accompanied them but was so disgusted with her younger sisters that she did nothing but have a scowl on her face the whole time they traversed the trail to the small country town.

Elizabeth dreaded what her sisters’ conduct would be like when the militia came in two days. The thought brought a grimace, and she hoped between her and Jane that they could keep the girls’ outlandish behavior curbed.

As they came into town, they ran into Charlotte Lucas who inquired as to whether or not they had enjoyed the assembly.

Elizabeth: “It could have been better…without visitors.”

Jane: “I enjoyed it thoroughly. It was so nice to see so many friends all together for an enjoyable evening and to welcome visitors.”

Lydia and Kitty: “It was wonderful. We loved dancing with Mr. Denny and Captain Carter.”

Charlotte: “I too enjoyed the evening. Mr. Bingley and two other gentlemen asked me to dance.”

The two youngest sniggered as Lydia whispered, “I am surprised as she is already on the shelf. Who would want to dance with her?

Oblivious that Charlotte Lucas blushed at Lydia’s comment, the youngest sister grabbed Kitty’s hand and tugged her toward the Modiste’s to look at ribbons and shoe roses.

“Lydia, you and Kitty stay with Jane and me. We will go to the Modiste’s in just a few minutes.”

“Lizzy, we are not going far.”

“No matter. You will wait for Jane and me.”

Lydia stomped her foot in frustration. Her mother always let her have her way as her youngest reminded her of herself when she was Lydia’s age. Mrs. Bennet, however, was a bit more subtle with her machinations than the last two of her children. And since Kitty was a follower, whatever Lydia was willing to do, her comrade in arms was also agreeable to anything that was suggested. Their unladylike actions in public and at home made Elizabeth cringe and also kept her ever watchful to prevent manners that would ruin them in the sight of all their neighbors. Unfortunately, the two younger girls were mostly oblivious to propriety.

“Come with us, Charlotte.”

“Not today, Eliza. I was just heading home as Mama wanted me to help her with some charitable items.”

“Perhaps another time, my friend.”

Elizabeth gave her longtime friend a hug and promised to visit on the morrow then headed to the Modiste to replace both of her shoe roses that had suffered destruction at the assembly.

Along the way, she stopped to chat for a moment with Mary King. Both young ladies were near the walkway in front of Biddle’s Bookstore where there was a low horse trough. Unfortunately, Mrs. Logan’s youngest two boys were playing in the alley nearby when their ball went astray toward the watering trough. Barreling out of the alley, the smallest boy could see only his ball and ran into Elizabeth causing her to lose her balance and fall backwards into the water with a shriek.

“Missy Lizzy, I sorry. Oh, Missy Lizzy, oh, oh.”

As the little one stood in front of a dripping wet Elizabeth Bennet, Lizzy couldn’t but feel sorry for the little boy.

“Jaime, all is well. It’s just water. I am not hurt, and I am not angry with you. It was an accident.”

Although Elizabeth wanted to give him a hug and kiss his forehead, she couldn’t as she was dripping more than a little water and had the dubious distinction of having her clothing clinging to her in a most embarrassing manner.

“Lizzy, take my shawl and cover yourself. Aunt Philips will have something you can wear until we return home.”

This time, Lydia and Kitty were sniggering at Elizabeth. “Lizzy, you look like a drowned rat.”

“Thank you, Lydia. You do know this ends the shopping for the day. We will have to return on the morrow.”

“No, no. You and Jane stay at Aunt Philips,’ and we will finish our shopping and then join you.”

“No, Lydia. We are done for the day. Papa gave me specific instructions to accompany you, and I will not disobey him. Come with us now.”

Muttering under her breath, the recalcitrant child and her companion followed Jane and Elizabeth to their uncle’s office and the couple’s home which was the upper floor of the solicitor’s building.

***

Unbeknownst to the Bennet sisters, there were more than a few that saw the embarrassing episode.

“Darcy, we must go and help. Miss Elizabeth could be hurt.”

Darcy smothered his laughter and replied, “Bingley, it is obvious she is not hurt…just very wet. And, after last night, I am not feeling very charitable.”

With indignation, Bingley drew himself up and said, “Darcy, we are gentlemen. One of the things we do is help our neighbors out, especially if they are of the female persuasion.”

“Ordinarily, I would, but for the embarrassment she caused me last night.”

“Darcy, I’m ashamed of you.”

When Bingley saw that Miss Elizabeth quickly walked away and didn’t seem to need his help, he said, “I’m heading back to Netherfield.”

“Now, Charles…”

“Don’t Charles me. I’m surprised you could act so ungentlemanly.”

Bingley then mounted his horse and turned him toward Netherfield. He was so irritated with his friend that he didn’t even bother looking to see if Darcy was following.

***

In the meantime, Elizabeth and her sisters headed to the Phillips’ office and to their relatives’ home above it to see if Aunt Phillips had a dress that Elizabeth could wear back to Longbourn. She was hoping they could do so but despaired because her aunt was taller and broader. She cringed when she pictured in her mind what she would look like as they left Meryton and headed home.

When the sisters saw what their aunt had brought, Kitty and Lydia both giggled when they realized that the dress was two sizes too big for their short sister. They laughed even harder when they saw what all had to be done so that Elizabeth could get back home without tripping on the hem.

Mary was indignant for her elder sister and Jane just rolled her eyes and refrained from commenting.

Needless to say, Mrs. Phillips had been shocked to see her niece dripping water on their doorstep.

“Lizzy. What have you been doing? You are supposed to be a proper young lady and always attired accordingly.”

“All is well, Aunt. It was an accident.”

She then related the circumstances that led to her being drenched, and all the while, her aunt just shook her head.

“You really ought to be more careful, my dear.”

Elizabeth just sighed as her aunt continued berating her for something she could not have avoided. She just hoped that Mrs. Phillips didn’t chastise Jaime or Jaime’s mother for what happened and possibly upset the little boy. As for herself, she just nodded and pacified her aunt by doing so.

Chapter V

The Militia Appears

As luck would have it, Elizabeth cringed as they left for Longbourn. When she exited the Phillips’ office with her sisters, they were surprised by the militia arriving earlier than expected.

Elizabeth was aware that she was a sight with a dress that was too big and too long and also tied with a shawl so she would not trip. Several of the men did a double take when they saw Elizabeth. They initially saw a pretty woman who was wearing the most outlandish outfit they had ever seen. Several of the men frowned and then shook their heads as if they couldn’t believe what they were seeing. Elizabeth couldn’t hide her blush, But she also couldn’t be concerned with the men.

Jane and Elizabeth each grabbed one of the younger girls and would not let them embarrass the whole family by rushing toward the handsome men in their red coats.

“But Lizzy, we need to greet them and let them know how glad we are to see them.”

“And embarrass our entire family? I think not.”

“Oh, you are just jealous because I am prettier than you.”

Elizabeth just rolled her eyes at her youngest sibling, and she was pleased when Jane came to her rescue.

“Lydia, all of us have inherited beauty and pleasant features from our parents. It is a blessing, but it is not something we brag about or tease others for not having the same. Nor do we use our beauty to degrade anyone inside or outside our family. You will be quiet until we arrive home, and I will support that with a swat if you don’t believe me. As to beauty, I have heard many people praise me for my beauty, but that is not important to me. Beauty is nice but not mandatory. I feel that young women who show gentility, courtesy, and respect, at all times, are the ones who are the most beautiful. Those who don’t display these qualities actually seem ugly to me. Do you understand what I am saying?”

Though young, disobedient, and rowdy, Lydia was not stupid. However, she stuck her tongue out at Jane, and she and Kitty began running to Longbourn in spite of Jane’s admonishments.

Elizabeth and Jane both sighed in disappointment. They loved their sisters but worried that they would do something soon that would ruin the entire family. Or have one or both assaulted by dangerous men. However, because of their actions, neither was shown respect. The saddest thing about that was they were still young and oblivious but should still know better. However, they would not learn how to live in a world of other people who are not relatives as Mr. and Mrs. Bennet would probably never think to teach them decorum.

The eldest sibling even shed a tear as she hoped that the two youngest Bennets would eventually learn how to live in a world where there were good as well as wicked people to deal with. However, her fear was that her hopes would be dashed.

“Are you well, Jane?”

She took Elizabeth’s hand and squeezed it, then said, “I will be, Lizzy. I will be.”

And the two eldest endeavored to keep pace with the two youngest Bennets.

***

             Usually, after an assembly, there were pleasant conversations for days concerning who was there, the clothes that were worn, and what courtships were being started. Unfortunately, the assembly the night before was not as successful as those in the past, so the conversations at Longbourn and Netherfield were not as exciting as they would have been otherwise.