Follies and Nonsense Read online

  The eldest Bennet daughter took her sister’s hand before she said, “And Mrs. Hamilton is lovely – there is no other way to describe my sister.”

  “Perhaps,” Elizabeth conceded. “But let us continue the discussion of Mr. Bingley.”

  “You danced with him as well,” Jane observed. “What did you think of him?”

  Grinning at her sister’s inquiry, Elizabeth paused a long moment before she replied, “Well, he certainly is agreeable, and I give you leave to like him.”

  “Lizzy!”

  “Oh, you like people in general. You never see a fault in anybody. Everyone in the world is good and agreeable in your eyes,” Elizabeth pointed out. “I have never heard you speak ill of another during my life.”

  “I would not wish to censure anyone; but I always speak what I think,” Jane asserted carefully.

  “You are candid without ostentation or design; you find the good of everybody's character and say nothing of the bad.”

  “I want to like people Lizzy,” Jane replied.

  Nodding in understanding, Elizabeth paused before asking, “And do you like Mr. Bingley’s sisters, too?”

  Jane struggled for a moment before she said, “They are very pleasing women when you converse with them. Mr. and Mrs. Hurst have yet to decide how long they will remain in Hertfordshire but Miss Bingley has to live with her brother until she is five and twenty. I hope we shall find her to be a charming neighbour.”

  Elizabeth remained silent; the behaviour of the younger sister at the assembly had been unpleasant and conceited.

  Jane continued. “Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst are fashionable ladies with fine manners. They will make themselves agreeable.”

  ++**++

  With a knock on the door, Sarah Barrow entered the bedroom and frowned to find the young ladies already unbuttoned. “Mrs. Hamilton, I came as soon as I could get Miss Mary and Miss Kitty unbuttoned and out of their gowns. You should have waited for me with these tiny buttons.”

  “Give my sisters your attentions Barrow. Jane and I can manage tonight,” Elizabeth protested but her maid refused to leave until the two ball gowns were removed and hung in the closet.

  As she buttoned her nightgown and saw Mrs. Barrow exit for the evening, Elizabeth continued their conversation as Jane brushed her hair.

  “I believe Miss Bingley is proud and conceited but Mrs. Hurst is pleasant and shy.”

  Jane shared more information saying, “According to Mrs. Fielding the sisters were educated in a private seminary in town, and each has a fortune of twenty thousand pounds.”

  Elizabeth nodded. “And once we know them better, we shall affirm that Miss Bingley spends more of Mr. Bingley’s money than she ought and seeking to associate with people of rank.”

  She paused for a moment and then concluded, “I fear Miss Bingley thinks well of herself and meanly of others.”

  “Lizzy, I don’t think it is necessary to anticipate that Miss Bingley will not feel comfortable in our company. Her family is very respectable in the north of England.”

  “And the sister has forgotten that her brother's fortune and her own were acquired by trade!”

  “Surely you do not hold their origins against them?” Jane asked as Elizabeth’s disdainful face changed to mirth.

  “Lizzy, you pretend to be such a snob!” Jane grinned as she plaited her hair. Elizabeth snorted and pretended to be further affronted.

  Ignoring her sister, Jane continued, “Mrs. Long reported that Mr. Bingley inherited property to the amount of nearly a hundred thousand pounds from his father and he intends to become a landowner.”

  “How did he come to take the lease at Netherfield?” Elizabeth asked.

  Jane smiled, “He came to Hertfordshire in August to examine the house and estate with his friend Mr. Darcy. We may have passed them on the road to London when we went to town for Viscount Lyndon’s wedding.”

  “Lady Lucas reported that Mr. Bingley has been in his majority for two years and he is anxious to settle his life. He attended Cambridge with his friend and he still has business interests in factories in the north as well as some business in London though his sisters do not want him to mention ‘trade’ with any of their acquaintance.”

  Noticing the look on her sister’s face, Jane asked, “Lizzy, what is the matter?”

  “Nothing is wrong Jane but this is the longest conversation that we have ever had about a young man!” Elizabeth exclaimed as she took Jane’s place before the mirror to brush her hair and plait it for the evening.

  Blushing Jane glanced down but then looked back up and caught her sister’s eye in the mirror. “I decided very quickly that Mr. Bingley is everything that a gentleman should be.”

  “I agree Jane – he is a pleasant gentleman,” Elizabeth replied. Now she tilted her head to one side and asked, “What did Mr. Bingley say about Mr. Darcy?”

  “Lizzy! Did that gentleman catch your eye?”

  “I believe he is a gentleman but I think he has a great many burdens.”

  “Burdens, Lizzy? What gentleman with ten thousand pounds a year has burdens?”

  Now Elizabeth sat down her brush and turned to face her sister. “Jane, consider the amount of work you and Mary have shouldered at Longbourn since Father went to the West Indies. The tenants, the accounts, the decisions on planting and harvest – I remember you and Mary had an animated discussion regarding how many pigs to sell and how many to keep for our table and the tenants this winter.”

  Jane paused and nodded. “So, you are saying that because Mr. Darcy’s income is greater, his responsibilities are greater.”

  “Yes,” Elizabeth replied. “But, he could be one of the young lords and dandies I have met in the last three years who allow their stewards to manage their estate and only spend money.”

  “Surely not all live in that manner...”

  Shaking her head, Elizabeth said, “Not the ones who want to make lives better for their own children and for their tenants. Lord Rutherford began involving Viscount Lyndon and Matthew in estate matters when they were young.”

  “So Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy are burdened by their thousands,” Jane said. “But are the burdens of five thousand pounds a year so unbearable?”

  When Elizabeth didn’t answer, Jane continued, “Many at the assembly seemed to think it important to know their incomes,”

  “How does anyone know how much a man’s income equals?” Elizabeth asked. “Does he wear a number stitched to the inside of his hat so the servants can report the figure to their masters?”

  “I imagine the man in Uncle Phillip’s office knows Mr. Bingley’s wealth and that is the source of the news,” Jane replied thinking that her sister was serious.

  Noticing that her sister’s face remained lost in thought, Jane waited a moment before asking, “Lizzy is money a problem for you? I thought Matthew left you a good settlement; that you and young Matthew would be comfortable.”

  Smiling back at her sister, Elizabeth nodded, “I was serious the other day when I assured Mamma that if father passed away without marriages for my other sisters, you could all come live with us at Mount Pleasant.”

  “And your sisters and mother would not be a drain on your income? Matthew would be able to have school and university?”

  Elizabeth stepped close to Jane and whispered, “You must not tell anyone – not Mary, not Mamma and not Father when he returns until he has time to rest.”

  “What is it Lizzy?”

  Grimacing and then taking a deep breath, Elizabeth Hamilton explained her situation to her oldest sister. “After I married Matthew, he told me his great secret. He had been adopted as the heir for his uncle – his mother’s brother.”

  “I understood that,” Jane agreed. “This inheritance includes Mount Pleasant and land I assume.”

  Nodding slowly, Elizabeth continued, “Matthew’s uncle was the Earl of Bailey.”

  Surprised, Jane pulled the ribbon from her hair and her blonde locks unravelled a
s she turned to her sister.

  “An earl!” her voice was louder than either expected and they suddenly giggled like teenagers expecting their mother to come to the bedroom door to admonish them.

  “Lizzy! What does this mean?” Jane asked. “Will my nephew be an earl?”

  “The uncle died last February and Matthew became the Earl of Bailey when he was only fourteen months.”

  “Oh, Lizzy!” The older sister hugged her younger sister tightly, “That is why you were speaking of burdens for someone who is wealthy.”

  Elizabeth nodded, “Have you noticed all the letters that Mr. Smyth and I have to review and return?”

  “Yes, and Mary and I offer to help if we can,” Jane said.

  “I will hire a secretary once we move to Mount Pleasant. I would engage one tomorrow if there was an empty cottage for a man and his family,” Elizabeth said. “My father-in-law has a secretary and three stewards.”

  “Lizzy – what is your income?” asked Jane, uncharacteristically curious for once.

  “Lord Rutherford showed me the accounts before I came home to visit. I already had a sizeable income just from Matthew’s inheritance but the Bailey properties and investments clear eight thousand pounds a year and my widow’s portion is another thousand a year for the remainder of my life.”

  “And because I have not spent any of my own money in the two years since Matthew died, I have more than three thousand in my personal accounts now.”

  “That is a fortune! What are you doing with that money?”

  “I will spoil my sisters with new gowns!”

  “Yes, you have spent ten pounds on new gowns and scandalized all of Meryton with such extravagance but be serious for a moment.”

  “When we were in London, I asked Uncle Gardiner to invest my funds from my husband’s first inheritance. It’s six hundred a year and I will use it to help my sisters in the future.” Elizabeth’s face was completely serious as she said, “But I do not want anyone to know of these figures. Matthew is a small, happy boy and I intend for him to remain thus for as long as possible.”

  Jane began giggling now and Elizabeth waited for her sister to regain her senses. “Oh Lizzy, no wonder Earl Rutherford and Viscount Lyndon would not allow those dandies anywhere near us when we were in London.”

  “And that is why we used the carriage without a crest on it,” Elizabeth explained. “I did not want anyone to note our passage and come to call at Grace Church Street.”

  “Why? Are you ashamed of the Gardiners?’

  “Jane, no! Of course not!” Elizabeth explained. “I wanted an enjoyable visit with Aunt and Uncle – I did not want any uninvited callers.”

  “Very well, I understand.” Then Jane grinned, “No wonder you buy quality oats for the horses and new clothes for all the servants. Mrs. Hill will bust with pride for that new gown you had made for her to wear on Sundays.”

  “She is a dear and faithful servant,” Elizabeth explained. “I know Mamma appreciates her efforts, but I wanted to let Mrs. Hill know how much I value what she taught me as a young girl.”

  Jane nodded but then turned pensive. “Mary mentioned that you were sad early in the evening – something about Matthew.”

  Elizabeth’s face was closed for a moment before she rose and joined her sister in the bed.

  “I… I was remembering dancing with Matthew at a ball in Brighton just before he embarked for the war. That night I realized that I loved my husband and he was gone just a few days later.”

  “Oh Lizzy, I am sorry,” Jane said hugging her sister.

  Elizabeth returned the hug. “I assure you that I am well Jane. My memories of Matthew are warm and happy.”

  “I envy you sometimes Lizzy. You had a few months with Matthew and you have his son,” Jane whispered. “Colonel Hurley was taken from me before we could wed.”

  “I am sorry Jane. We both lost too much that year,” her sister said as she settled the covers over them.

  “Good night Lizzy.”

  “Good night Jane,”

  They lay in the darkness for a few moments before Jane sat straight up in the bed and turned to her sister.

  “Lizzy – you are a countess! Mamma will faint! Lydia will dance on the rooftops!” Jane paused a moment before asking. “Is it proper for a countess to share a bed?”

  “Jane, you are my sister. Of course, the sister of a countess can share her bed. Now lie down and go to sleep.”

  “Very well, your exalted ladyship,” Jane teased. “Anything you command Countess Bailey.”

  “Jane, stop! Please!” Elizabeth asked as they both dissolved into giggles again.

  ++**++

  Chapter 11.

  Netherfield Discuss Hertfordshire

  When they returned to Netherfield, the inhabitants discussed the assembly in the following manner. Gathered in the parlour for a sip of brandy before bed, Bingley did not wait for Caroline to dismiss the butler before he spoke.

  “I have never met with more pleasant people or prettier girls in my life! Everybody had been most kind and attentive. It was not like London where everyone is formal and stiff – and you may only speak when spoken to by the lords and ladies.”

  Before anyone else replied, he continued, “And Miss Jane Bennet is an angel.”

  Darcy nodded his head and agreed, “I will acknowledge that the assembly is most congenial and that Miss Bennet is pretty.”

  Mrs. Hurst agreed. “I admired her and think she is a sweet girl. I should like to know more of her.”

  “Louisa! I have never seen an assembly of people with such bad manners and fashion that was out-of-date,” Caroline complained to her family and guest. “Do you not agree, Mr. Darcy?”

  Darcy turned away from Miss Bingley but he replied, “The latest fashions are not expected in the country and manners are often relaxed in such a setting.”

  The tall man reflected for a moment and then added, “But I admit that I enjoyed the dancing and conversation after I rested.”

  “Indeed, you did! I believe you danced at least four sets!” Charles crowed. “I have never seen you enjoy a gathering more!”

  “Mr. Darcy was polite and asked the young ladies to dance,” Louisa said.

  Caroline frowned as she complained, “If there had been fewer young ladies in want of partners, I am certain you would have made your way to my side at some point in the evening.”

  Darcy was not surprised by the lady’s grievance but before he could reply, Charles insisted, “Caroline, do not say such things – Mr. Darcy has no obligation to stand up with you tonight or any other night. I found the evening pleasant and the entertainment most enjoyable!”

  “Charles, you could be happy at any gathering where you can talk and dance…” Caroline glanced at Mr. Darcy as she spoke. “The rest of our party was unconvinced and even accosted by the locals – some widow forced Mr. Darcy into the card room in an attempt to create a scene.”

  “Sister, do be sensible!” insisted Mrs. Hurst. “The lady saw to Mr. Darcy’s comfort after his long journey from London. The man barely climbed off his horse when the carriage pulled around and we were off.”

  “Mr. Darcy was dressed for the road this evening,” Mr. Hurst added. “But I think it made a good impression on the locals.”

  Caroline sneered, “Which proves my point. There is no one here worth knowing and we are lost to all proper society in Hertfordshire.”

  Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, and Mr. Darcy frowned but Bingley ignored his sister.

  “You are wrong Caroline. Everyone was polite and agreeable – especially Miss Bennet and her sisters,” Charles said.

  Now Caroline sighed, “I suppose Miss Bennet is a lovely young lady, but she was too concerned with corn and livestock to be a proper young lady,”

  “She was a pleasure to dance with and I found her conversation interesting.”

  Caroline’s smile did not reach her eyes as she replied, “Perhaps, but I wonder that Miss Bennet brought her widowed sist
er to the assembly when the woman would not remain along the wall with the matrons – I believe Mrs. Hamilton danced as often as her sisters.”

  “And you only danced with me,” Charles replied. Smarting from Charles’s reference that Mr. Darcy had not asked Caroline to dance, the lady’s eyes narrowed and her face grew tight with anger.

  “Mrs. Hamilton danced with several eligible young men,” Louisa pointed out. “And I believe even Mr. Darcy enjoyed his set with her.”

  “I found her to be dull and without conversation,” Caroline replied. “And her gown had been worn before.”

  “She was very polite and bright when she spoke with me,” Louisa said. “And I believe her dress was the latest fashion.”

  Frowning at the desertion of her sister, Caroline retorted, “Everyone appears bright and smartly dressed to you Louisa.”

  Now turning to Mr. Darcy, Caroline shared the gossip she had heard regarding the Mrs. Hamilton. “Before you further the acquaintance, Mr. Darcy I believe that you should hear what one of the local matrons – Mrs. Fielding – told me about Mrs. Hamilton. No one in the whole of Meryton except for Mr. and Mrs. Bennet ever met the mysterious Mr. Hamilton – no one from the village witnessed the wedding. The report of the ceremony only came from Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and then Mrs. Hamilton was absent for the last three years.”

  “What do you mean, Caroline?” asked Louisa.

  “Mrs. Fielding insisted that no one in the neighbourhood ever met any of the Hamilton family that Miss Eliza Bennet supposedly married into and lived with since. Only four months after the wedding, the story circulated that her husband was killed in Spain and at Christmas the Bennets announced the birth a grandson.”

  No one challenged Caroline’s charges so she continued, “And since that time, Mrs. Hamilton has remained absent from Longbourn. If a proper marriage did occur and if her son is a child of the marriage, why is she not still with the man’s family? If Mrs. Hamilton can pass off a natural child as a dead soldier’s heir…”

  “Miss Bingley!” Mr. Hurst protested. “You go too far!”