In one of my recent comments I mentioned how Elizabeth Bennet’s Bad Days was a little harder to write than any of my other books because there were so many different directions I could take the plot. Well, as it turned out, that particular attribute caused some issues for me. As a result, the publishing date was delayed and beginning with Chapter III, the order of events was changed.
So today, I am going to get you all caught up through the current Chapter V by showing you the new Chapters III, IV, and V with Chapter III being immediately after the assembly.
Chapter III
To Be or Not to Be Charitable
Upon arriving at Netherfield, Bingley requested a tea tray and assorted sandwiches and sweets be brought to his study. And although it sounded more like a command, he invited Darcy to join him. On this particular occasion, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst and Caroline were not included in the invitation.
As soon as the servant set down the tray and poured the tea, Bingley dismissed the woman and asked that she shut the door on her way out.
Darcy, in the meantime, raised his eyebrows and was tempted to enquire of his friend what this was all about. But Bingley frowned, shook his head and folded his hands under his chin, propped them on the arms of the chair, and just stared at Darcy.
After a few moments, Darcy was becoming a little unnerved at Bingley’s pose, and he frowned and started to ask the man why he was acting very suspiciously. This time Bingley gave a negative shake of his head and pursed his lips in irritation.
So, both men sat quietly and drank their tea, and each had a small snack from the tray.
When Bingley finally said something, Darcy was startled as he discovered the man was quite angry with him, and Darcy was not sure why. But he was going to find out very quickly.
“Fitzwilliam Darcy. I am ashamed of you.”
As Darcy choked on his tea, Bingley gave him time to recuperate before he upbraided him about his attitude toward Elizabeth Bennet and his actions at the assembly.
“Bingley, why should I care what these people think? I am only here for a short time and will probably not associate with them in the future.”
“Darcy. I am angered that you would have that kind of attitude. All people deserve to be shown courtesy and respect.”
If truth be told, Darcy agreed, in general, with his friend. He just didn’t want to admit it on this occasion.
Bingley continued to peel the hide off his friend who might just become a former friend if he was not careful.
“Now, I am going to give you a couple of reasons why I feel all should be respected until they do something that proves they should not be. We never know what has happened just prior to meeting someone. That can affect how one acts or treats others. Because we do not know what their day has been like or how they feel, we should give them the benefit of the doubt. As to the assembly, everybody seemed to be in a good mood. They were laughing and greeting one another cordially which would indicate they looked forward to the dancing and visiting with friends…” He held up his hand when Darcy drew in a breath as though to speak. “Now don’t interrupt me. I have more to say.”
Darcy sighed and nodded his head in defeat as Bingley continued speaking at a normal volume.
“I know that you can be very unsociable at times, taciturn and all that. But the evening of the assembly was not a time for you to be rude. And why? I just moved here. I like the people I’ve met so far, and I desire that I find many friends, especially if I purchase Netherfield and live here.”
Ahh! So the truth was out, and Darcy came to the conclusion that he had botched that evening for himself and for his friend. But he was undecided as to whether or not he should apologize just to Bingley for his bad manners or to include several others who had attended the assembly. This would include Miss Elizabeth, who embarrassed him in front of everyone after he had insulted her. However, he did have to acknowledge that he now was holding a grudge against her.
With a sigh, Darcy looked down at the floor and quietly asked, “So you think I owe Miss Elizabeth an apology?”
“What do you think?”
“You feel like I should”, Darcy said and then paused. “I believe I am in agreement with you.”
“Good man. I knew you would see reason if you could stop and assess how you were acting instead of holding bad feelings against one and all. “
“Would tomorrow be soon enough, you think?”
“Yes, I think we need to take the opportunity to call on the Bennets. We haven’t done that since we arrived. In fact, I don’t think we left a very good impression on the neighborhood at the assembly either.”
“Oh?”
“Perhaps we should call on the Bennets and apologize and also call on Sir William and his family. I understand that he is the magistrate, and it would probably be wise on our part to build some good relations with him and his family as well.”
“When do you think we should go?”
“Be ready to arrive at one o’clock. We might be fortunate and be the first to call which could give us time for you to apologize before other visitors descend on Longbourn.”
Although Darcy did not look forward to the visit, he knew it was necessary and especially so if they were to gain and maintain friendships with neighbors in Meryton and the surrounding area.
“Very good. I’ll let Caroline and Louisa know that they are also expected to attend with us.”
“Will Miss Bingley agree to that?”
“She had better because it will affect my reputation in this neighborhood. I like Netherfield and am seriously thinking about buying it.”
“Bingley, are you sure it’s wise to rush into buying this? Enjoy leasing it but take time to make sure it is all that you want in an estate.”
“I agree with you. I have a lot to learn and other information to gain before I make a firm decision. And…I would like to get better acquainted with Miss Bennet. She is not only a lovely lady, but I feel that she might make the perfect wife as well.”
Bingley smiled dreamily, but Darcy hid his grimace from his lovelorn friend.
In fact, Darcy endeavored not to sigh aloud at his friend’s comment as he knew that Charles had considered several young ladies as possibly being the perfect wife. Bingley had made many decisions in haste, and Darcy was afraid that he would make a very serious mistake and regret it when it was too late. On several occasions he had gently asked questions to get him to stop and consider the circumstances and the people involved, and, so far, he had been successful. However, he was not looking forward to when his friend would be infatuated and make a poor decision.
He also grimaced a bit when he thought of how Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst would react when her brother told them they would make calls on the morrow. To date, the two sisters had nothing good to say about anyone they had met so far, and Darcy didn’t expect their attitude would improve before or after the calls on neighbors.
Chapter IV
Remorse Most Keen
Elizabeth sat quietly on her bed and facing the floor as big, fat tears rolled down her cheeks. Not a sound could be heard as she sat in misery contemplating the disaster that was experienced that evening.
She wasn’t a vindictive individual. Having four sisters—three of them younger than herself—meant that she had to learn forbearance and forgiveness if there was to be a measure of peace in the Bennet household. And yet, there had not been much tranquility this past evening beginning with her losing her temper with the youngest Bennet child in the family.
She dropped her head in her hands and began weeping in earnest as her eldest sister entered the room.
“Lizzy. Whatever is the matter?”
“Oh, Jane. I have been so cruel. I’ve tried to be a loving sister to all my siblings, but this night has seen me fail at everything: love, civility, and even common courtesy to my family and to new acquaintances.”
Elizabeth felt comforted as Jane sat on the bed beside her and gathered her into a hug. Very gently her sister began rubbing her back and speaking quiet words to sooth her younger sibling. In a few minutes, Lizzy hiccupped and accepted the offered handkerchief. Wiping away her tears, she succumbed to a sigh.
“Are you well, Lizzy?”
“No, but I soon will be. Thank you.”
“Could I ask what has distressed you the most this evening?”
Elizabeth barked out a watery laugh. “Yes, you may. However, I may not give you a satisfactory answer.”
***
So, the ever loving and patient Jane chose to just wait. She knew if she waited long enough without saying a word, Elizabeth would eventually confess to what had made her so discomposed. Then she might determine what she could do or say that would give Lizzy true comfort.
***
Elizabeth finally dried away her tears and turned to face her sister.
“Jane, something must be done about Lydia. I fear she will do something that will ruin all of us one day. She has no regard for the possessions of others, particularly those of her siblings. The other day she even went into Mamma’s bedchamber and dabbed on some of her expensive perfume without repercussion. Mamma simply told her to ask in the future. But…but Lydia made a face at her when she walked away. Even if Mamma had seen her, I’m not sure she would have chastised her.
“Her conduct at the assembly this evening was so embarrassing. Lady Lucas and Mrs. Goulding were glaring at her most of the evening as she laughed and flirted with John Lucas and his friends and the two men from the militia. When I asked Mamma to make Lydia act like a young lady, she told me I was just jealous that the men liked Lydia better than me. Lydia’s lack of modest conduct didn’t even bother her. She said that Lydia’s flirtations would probably enable her to be among the first of us to marry. She even mentioned again that flirting was how she first gained interest and then a proposal from Papa.”
Jane grimaced, then asked, “But what would you suggest?”
“We need to speak with Papa. We must get him to see that unless Lydia is brought under control, she is liable to do something that will hurt the entire family. With the rest of the militia coming soon to Meryton, the town will be full of red coats, and I dread to see how she will behave with a large group of young men. You know she has proclaimed that she will be the first to marry, and I fear that the scandal of an elopement would not even begin to stop her determination to do so.”
“Should we speak with him tonight? I’m not sure if he has retired as yet.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “No, he has not. The light in his study was still visible when we arrived. Let me wash my face, and we can see if he is willing to do something.”
***
When Mr. Bennet said “come” to their knocking on his study door, Elizabeth and Jane entered and sat in the chairs before his desk.
“Papa, will you discuss Lydia’s conduct with us?”
With a sigh of resignation and a nod of his head, the patriarch of the Bennet household acquiesced to Lizzy’s request. “What do you desire that I do?”
“First of all, I must mention that I was disappointed that Lydia was not made to stay home tonight. Instead of standing firm, you allowed her to attend anyway. Why, Papa?”
Bennet squirmed with embarrassment at being gently chastised by his second eldest daughter. He was not oblivious to his lack of determination, but he was also mindful of the misery Mrs. Bennet put him through before the assembly and would inflict upon him for the next few days if he had stood his ground about Lydia remaining at home.
Years ago, when Lydia was in the nursery and getting her own way with tantrums that included screeching or destroying her toys until her other sisters would leave the house because of the noise, Mr. Bennet had just turned the disciplining of his youngest over to his wife. That resulted in a more peaceful state in the home but didn’t guarantee that Lydia’s conduct in public was acceptable. The Bennet family was unaware that their neighbors and friends throughout Meryton worried that Lydia might one day do something that would embarrass the whole Bennet household or ruin it entirely.
“Lizzy, what do you suggest that I do? If I put my foot down and demand that Lydia obey me, she just ignores me and does what she wishes anyway. When I set forth a punishment for her rebellion, her mother takes her side and encourages her to do as she pleases in spite of my authority as her father and head of this household. Your mother and Lydia both ignore any mandates I endeavor to exercise. Without Mrs. Bennet’s backing, I am unable to be the leader in my own home. What little I am able to achieve is only with threats to cut or totally eliminate pin money.”
He hung his head in shame and wrung his hands. Jane and Lizzy were unaware that he had tried everything he could think of for several years until he finally gave up the fight. He had accomplished nothing.
***
“Well then…we must consider Plan B.”
“Plan B?” said Jane.
“Plan B?” her father echoed. Then he asked, “What is Plan B, Lizzy?”
“Papa, I need to work out the details of Plan B. However, I will need your permission to implement it.”
“First, I need to know what it consists of. I’ll not sanction anything that will hurt the family.”
“I promise it will not, but it might get the point across.”
Mr. Bennet frowned. He knew that his second eldest was the most intelligent of his offspring. He knew too that she could also be the most daring, second only to his youngest, and he had twinges of trepidation that Lizzy’s Plan B might unsettle the entire Bennet household. He was not sure he would allow that as he treasured his peace and quiet. Therefore, his study was his hideaway and not available to anyone without permission. To give her leeway to experiment with bringing order to his household, he would have to consider it for a while.
“Lizzy, I need time to think about your offer. I will let you know my decision in a day or so.”
“But Papa…”
“No buts, Lizzy. I will consider giving permission…if I agree to your Plan B.”
“Very well. But please make it soon. The balance of the militia arrives in three days, and we need to do something before then.”
Mr. Bennet just grunted in response and waved his daughters out the door, closing and locking it behind them.
Not a word passed between Elizabeth and Jane as they slowly ascended the stairs to their bedchamber.
***
When they reached their shared room, Jane started quizzing her sister about Plan B. Elizabeth smiled slyly, causing Jane’s eyes to widen, and she started to protest Plan B.
“Jane, let me tell you what we need to do,” and Lizzy proceeded to do just that.
Elizabeth’s smile grew even wider as Jane sat and began shaking her head in denial.
“Lizzy. Papa will never approve of that.”
“Whyever not…if it works?”
“But…”
“Wait and see. You may be surprised at what Plan B could accomplish.”
With a sigh, Jane gave up for the moment and readied for bed. After dancing all evening, she was too exhausted to argue with her younger sister and fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.
Elizabeth, however, stayed awake for quite a while pondering the pros and cons of Plan B. She was well aware that most of her faith in the Plan was wishful thinking and was not sure what kind of results could be achieved. Perhaps the next few days would bring more clarity and assurance of success.
Chapter V
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 two 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 amongst 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 canceled 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.
***
“Mamma, 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. Oh, and make sure you are back in time and ready for the morning call. I want all of you here.”
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 in spite of the neighbors calling in the early afternoon.
***
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 arrived 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 a pleasurable evening and to welcome visitors.”
Lydia and Kitty: “It was wonderful. We loved dancing with Mr. Denny and Captain Carter.”
Charlotte: “I too found the evening a pleasant experience. 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 Mamma wanted me to attend morning calls with her and then help her with some charitable items.”
“Perhaps we will see you at our morning call, my friend.”
Elizabeth gave her longtime friend a hug and promised to visit on the morrow as well and 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 Phillips 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 Phillips’, 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. Particularly since you admitted last night that you needed to apologize to her.”
Darcy bit his lip and started to agree with his friend, but Charles waved him away because he was not going to listen to his excuses.
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. And don’t forget the morning call at the Bennets’ today. You will have your opportunity to apologize, and I expect you to do so.”
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 their relatives’ home to see if their aunt 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 as 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.
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