Follies and Nonsense Read online

  “Anyone can begin with a preference for someone, but there are very few who can find themselves really in love without encouragement. In most cases a woman better show more affection than she feels. Mr. Bingley likes your sister undoubtedly; but he may never do more, if she does not help him on,” said Charlotte as she sorted through fragrant stems of rosemary that would slide into a bottle.

  Setting aside the large bottle of vinegar she had carried in from the kitchen, Elizabeth took a smaller bottle and began pushing sprigs of the herb through the small mouth. “But she does encourage him as much as her nature will allow. I would not have my sister be forward with any man! He must be a simpleton not to recognize her affection as well.”

  “I do not agree Eliza – Mr. Bingley does not know Jane's disposition as you do,” Charlotte insisted as she handed Elizabeth another sprig of dried rosemary.

  “But if a woman is partial to a man, and does not conceal it, certainly he must realize her feelings,” Elizabeth said as she set to the task of placing sprigs of the herb into the bottle.

  “Perhaps he must, but as you have said so many times before, Jane does not allow the world to know her feelings. Therefore, she should make the most of every half-hour in which she can command his attention.”

  “Your plan is a good one,” replied Elizabeth, “where nothing is in question but the desire of being well married, and if my sister was merely determined to get a husband, I dare say I should encourage her to adopt it. But these are not Jane's feelings and she cannot even be certain of the degree of her own regard for Mr. Bingley.”

  “Indeed, we have known him only short time. Jane danced two sets with him at Meryton; she saw him one morning at his own house and has dined with him in several social settings. This is not enough to understand his character.”

  Using a funnel, Elizabeth poured vinegar into the bottle stuffed with rosemary. Once full, she placed a cork into the bottle before they started with a second bottle.

  “Not as you represent it. Had she merely dined with him, she might only have discovered whether he had a good appetite; but you must remember that social evenings have also been spent together,” Charlotte said as she offered Elizabeth another set of rosemary sprigs to push into the second bottle.

  “Yes; these suppers revealed that they both like mutton; but with respect to any other characteristics, much remains unknown.”

  “Well,” said Charlotte, “I wish Jane success with all my heart; and if she married him tomorrow, I should think she had as good a chance of happiness as if she studied his character for a twelvemonth. Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.”

  Pouring vinegar into the second bottle, Elizabeth frowned, her mind so lost in memories of her husband for a moment that she only heard the end of Charlotte’s recommendations as the vinegar overflowed on the table top. “…it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life.”

  Righting the large bottle of vinegar, Elizabeth reached for a cloth to blot up the spilled liquid as she said, “Charlotte, I want to say that such advice is not sound, but my own marriage was just such an arrangement. I met Matthew only twice before we took our vows at the altar in the church at Longbourn.”

  “And were you happy with your husband?” Charlotte asked as she placed the cork into the second bottle.

  Elizabeth nodded, “We learned to love each other. When he left, I felt an absence unlike anything I had ever experienced. I learned that Matthew was dead shortly after I discovered that I was to bear his child… For many months afterwards I did not know what I felt.”

  “I am sorry Eliza,” Charlotte consoled her friend. “I tried to write of happy things in my letters and to be supportive.”

  Finished with the rosemary, Elizabeth reached out a hand to grasp her friend’s arm. “Your letters did help Charlotte. Thank you. Matthew’s father and brother supported me, and then Jane and Mamma came to me. When little Matthew was born, Jane stayed for many months after Mamma returned to Longbourn.”

  “Mrs. Bennet certainly returned home a changed woman,” Charlotte stated.

  When they had finished filling a third bottle with the last of the dried rosemary, Charlotte asked, “What are we making Eliza? Flavoured vinegar for salads?”

  Holding up one of the bottles in the light streaming through a window, Elizabeth explained, “The cook at Rose Briar used this concoction on meat roasted over the spit. It brings out the flavour in the wintertime and I wanted the cook at Longbourn to try it.”

  ++**++

  Occupied in observing Mr. Bingley's attentions to her sister, Elizabeth was unaware that she had become the object of interest in the eyes of his friend. Following their introduction at the Assembly Ball, Mr. Darcy allowed her to be pretty; he had looked at her without admiration and made the unfortunate comment that solicited her speaking to him and directing him to the card room. Thereafter, her smile and sparkle in her eye captured his attention. When they danced, he enjoyed the set more than any other he could remember. However, in defence of his feelings, when they next met, he looked at her only to criticize. But he found her face rendered uncommonly intelligent by the expression of her dark eyes.

  To this discovery succeeded others equally mortifying. At the tea at Netherfield, he detected with a critical eye more than one failure of perfect symmetry in her form but he was also forced to acknowledge Mrs. Hamilton’s figure to be light and pleasing.

  Of this change in Mr. Darcy’s attitude, Mrs. Hamilton was perfectly unaware as she focused on her son, her sisters and learning the workings of a large estate she had yet to visit. Mr. Darcy wished to know more of her, and as a step towards conversing with her, attended to her conversation with others at the dinners they attended in common.

  ++**++

  Chapter 14.

  Mr. Darcy Observes Mrs. Hamilton

  At last, Mr. Darcy’s attention drew Elizabeth’s notice during a party at the Goldings, where six families assembled for dinner as well as a smattering of the militia officers. Almost as soon as they arrived, Elizabeth found herself questioning the wisdom of her mother’s decision to include Lydia in the gathering tonight; Elizabeth spent her time observing her youngest sister flit about the room as Lydia talked to each of the officers who had come for supper. It was during these observations that she noticed Mr. Darcy attending to her own actions and conversations. When she sought out Charlotte Lucas, she asked, “What does Mr. Darcy mean by listening to my conversations?”

  “That is a question which only Mr. Darcy can answer.”

  “But if he continues, I shall certainly ask him. He seems to watch everything and if I do not inquire, I shall grow afraid of him.”

  On his approaching them soon afterwards, though without seeming to have any intention of speaking, Elizabeth decided to initiate conversation saying, “What did you think of my conversation with Mr. Long? We discussed the family just settled on a vacant farm on the Goldings estate.”

  “A younger son married to the daughter of a family from a farm at Longbourn,” he stated. “I understand that the young man has a way with his plough horses.”

  Smiling at Darcy’s interest, Elizabeth spent five minutes discussing the young wife, a girl she’d know her whole life.

  “I thought the young couple were gifted quite well,” Darcy said.

  Elizabeth blushed. “I may have exceeded good sense by giving them a feather blanket and a few other things…”

  “A newly freshened heifer from your mother’s dairy?” asked Charlotte. “Few of the tenant families have their own cow. They require a great deal of hay and some grain in the winter.”

  “But the Goldings do not share butter and milk with their tenants like they should. The children need those foods to grow strong,” Elizabeth insisted.

  “It is gratifying to see your concern for the tenants hereabout,” Darcy replied as he bowed his head to the ladies. “Land lords may do as they wish with their lands but it is g
ood for them to know that the ladies of the neighbourhood pay attention to the proper care of the tenant families in their power.”

  “Are you being severe or do you jest, sir? I cannot tell,” Elizabeth asked. Her query triggered the slightest smile on Mr. Darcy’s face so Elizabeth knew that he was teasing her and she smiled in return.

  “I am not comfortable in these settings Mrs. Hamilton and I envy your ability to talk to everyone without hesitation. I hope to learn by observation.”

  “I think you will have more success by practicing Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth responded. “One must practice an art to master the skill.”

  “Then will you be my teacher, Mrs. Hamilton?” asked Darcy.

  “If you need lessons on how to engage others in conversation, Mr. Bingley is the master to whom you should address your request,” she replied.

  Glancing toward Mr. Bingley who remained engaged with Jane Bennet, Darcy shook his head. “My friend’s interest in your sister’s stories and comments have captured his attention again.”

  He smiled gently and continued, “And I believe you are better company in any case, Mrs. Hamilton.”

  “May I consider for a moment or two how to deliver the lessons?” Elizabeth asked.

  “I shall await your instruction, madam,” he replied before bowing. Elizabeth was perplexed – the proud and handsome Mr. Darcy was flirting with her. She glanced at Charlotte who smiled.

  “Now, it is your turn to be teased Mrs. Hamilton,” said Charlotte. “I am going to open the instrument and you know what follows.”

  “You are a very strange creature by way of a friend; wanting me to play and sing before everybody! If my vanity had taken a musical turn, you would have been invaluable; but as it is, I would really rather not sit down before our neighbours today.”

  But Charlotte persevered and finally Elizabeth agreed, “Very well, if it must be so, it must.”

  Glancing at Mr. Darcy she added, “There is a fine old saying, which everybody here is familiar with; 'Keep your breath to cool your porridge'. However, tonight I shall keep mine to swell my song.”

  Mrs. Hamilton’s performance was pleasing and after two songs, she placed her sister Mary at the instrument, who having practiced diligently for several years provided a pleasing concert. Following the applause, Kitty and Lydia cajoled Mary to play some Scotch and Irish airs, so that they could join with other young people to dance at one end of the room under the close supervision of Mrs. Bennet.

  Mr. Darcy stood near them, unsure of how he should react to the interlude of a few dances to the exclusion of all conversation and was lost in pleasant thoughts until Sir William Lucas was at his side and interrupted his thoughts.

  “What a charming amusement for young people, Mr. Darcy! There is nothing like dancing for them to display themselves.”

  “Certainly, sir; and dancing has the advantage also of being around the world. Every savage can dance.”

  Sir William grinned at Darcy’s joke and then surprised the younger man by making specific inquiries concerning the news on the wars with Napoleon. Darcy was surprized to find the knight to be well-informed and opinionated in favour of the Prime Minister’s policies.

  “The blockade of the continent does affect my business but we must all bear the price for British victory,” concluded Sir William just as Elizabeth Hamilton passed them, her attention on a doorway across the chamber.

  “Mrs. Hamilton, would you care for refreshment?” Darcy asked. The young lady paused only a moment.

  “Thank you, Mr. Darcy but at the moment I must see to my sister,” said Elizabeth before she turned from the gentlemen and hurried outside the doors to a small terrace where she had seen Lydia walk out with an officer in a red coat.

  Sir William stepped away with a small smirk on his face; Charlotte was an excellent judge of the young people in Meryton. Once again, standing alone, Mr. Darcy was not offended by Elizabeth’s departure, and he continued thinking of her, when Miss Bingley stepped to his side and commented, “I can guess the subject of your reverie.”

  “I should imagine not,” Darcy said gently; he had no wish to debate with Bingley’s touchy sister.

  “Come now, I am exceedingly annoyed with this company! The insipid conversations are nothing more than noise. I should very much like to hear your observations.”

  “Unlike yourself, my mind is more agreeably engaged.”

  “How so?” Caroline asked. “Enlighten me sir, I insist.”

  Not looking at Miss Bingley, Darcy explained, “I enjoyed an informed and sensible conversation with Sir William Lucas regarding the wars we fight and the affect the blockade has on our economy.”

  Her eyes glazing over, Caroline frowned and walked away.

  Pleased that he was able to detach Miss Bingley from his side so easily, Darcy continued to consider the great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman such as Elizabeth Hamilton could bestow.

  ++**++

  On the terrace, Elizabeth found Lydia standing entirely too close to the young man in the red coat in the shadows of the house. She stepped up to the couple and froze them in place with one look.

  “Sir, what is your name?”

  “I am Lt. Marcus Denny, madam.”

  “My sister Catherine spoke kindly of you after the assembly but no gentleman steps outside with a child, sir!”

  “You are a child?” Denny asked turning his eye back to Lydia. “Miss Lydia, you told me that you were a cousin come to visit the Bennets in Hertfordshire.”

  “I am a woman grown, Denny!” insisted Lydia.

  “Next year Lydia,” Elizabeth replied before catching the young man’s eye and motioning with her head back toward the house.

  Glancing first at Mrs. Hamilton, the officer lifted the girl’s hand to kiss it gallantly before he said, “Miss Lydia, when you have your introduction to society next year, I shall be first in line to ask for a set.”

  “Thank you, Lt. Denny,” Elizabeth said. “Now, if I may have a moment to speak to my sister.”

  “Certainly, Mrs. Hamilton,” Denny answered before he returned inside Lucas Lodge.

  “Lizzy! I am not a child to be treated this way,” Lydia argued. “This is not your concern!”

  “It is my concern Lydia. What do you think Mamma will say when she learns that you stepped out here with an officer?”

  Lydia frowned as she watched Lt. Denny walking away from her. “What is my punishment this time? Knitting mittens for the poor again?”

  “Do you remember the discussion we had about tonight? Mamma asked you most especially if you would behave tonight and you gave your solemn promise that you would be a lady.”

  “I have been a proper lady this evening!”

  “Proper ladies do not go out into the evening with a young man without a chaperone! What if you had to marry before you ever were invited to a ball?”

  Lydia frowned not ‘hearing’ her sister’s comments.

  “Answer me this, Lydia, have any of the officers brought their wives to the dance?”

  Now frowning, Lydia still did not answer as Elizabeth continued, “Your husband might keep you at home to wash his uniforms. And he can get you with child quickly. Gentlemen will not line up to dance with you when you are heavy with child!”

  Elizabeth watched Lydia’s emotions play across her face; fear, remorse and unhappiness. “Now, I must know truthfully Lydia – are you sorry for your behaviour or are you sorry that I caught you?”

  “Both,” Lydia replied with a sigh.

  “Let’s go back inside,” Elizabeth said. “Mamma will make you sit with her for the rest of the evening. That will be a suitable punishment – to sit without any more dancing.”

  “Please do not speak to the colonel about Denny,” Lydia pleaded. “He is handsome and I would not want him to be in trouble because of me.”

  ++**++

  Chapter 15.

  An Invitation to Tea

  Longbourn, a profitable estate
of two thousand a year, had been in the Bennet family for six generations; the estate being granted to Captain Andrew Bennet at the restoration of King Charles a century and a half before. Unfortunately, Mr. Bennet’s grandfather had placed an entail in default of male heirs and without a son the estate would pass to a distant relation at Mr. Bennet’s death.

  Mrs. Bennet’s fortune reflected her situation in life though she exceeded the income and allowance from her husband each year. Throughout their marriage, Mr. Bennet had not controlled his wife’s spending and he also allowed her to spread the notion that there would be no dowries for his daughters.

  Mrs. Bennet had been born Francis Gardiner; the eldest daughter of a respectable attorney in Meryton. When only sixteen years, she captivated the attention of young Thomas Bennet and married him. There was a sister married to Mr. Phillips, their father’s successor in the business and a third child; an older brother who went into trade and settled in London.

  ++**++

  Longbourn was only two miles from Meryton; a most convenient distance for the Bennet girls, who walked each a week to visit their aunt and browse through the general stores and shops. Catherine and Lydia were frequent visitors to their aunt’s home when they could escape their duties and however bare of news from the village might be, they always contrived to learn some from their aunt.

  Indeed, Kitty and Lydia had been the source of the news of the arrival of a militia regiment in the neighbourhood that was to remain the whole winter. The youngest sisters spoke of nothing but officers when their sisters did not direct their attention to the sewing or coerce them to read some text.

  One morning during a visit with Lady Lucas, while listening her daughter’s praises for the militia officers, Mrs. Bennet observed, “From your manner of talking, I fear that your father will return to find that you are two of the silliest girls in the country. I have feared it some time, but I am now convinced.”