Longbourn- The Early Days Read online

  Longbourn:

  The Early Days

  A Collection of

  ‘Pride and Prejudice’ Variation Vignettes

  By Margaret Lynette Sharp

  Appreciation to omelas

  Copyright © 2019 Margaret Lynette Sharp

  Image by Prawny from Pixabay

  Contents

  The Invitation

  The New Arrival

  The Handsome Stranger

  Mark My Words

  The Message

  Flirtatious

  The Invitation

  A ‘Pride and Prejudice’ Variation Vignette

  By Margaret Lynette Sharp

  Appreciation to omelas

  Copyright © 2019 Margaret Lynette Sharp

  “Pray, Mama, might Papa be still in the library?” Miss Elizabeth Bennet asked breathlessly, having raced up the long hallway with eager haste to find him.

  “Indeed, he is, Lizzy, but I counsel you not to disturb him, for he is in no mood for interruption.” Mrs Bennet grimaced, shaking her head in apparent dismay.

  “But, Mama, I have news that cannot wait. Charlotte Lucas has invited me to accompany herself and Sir William next month on a trip to London! There is barely time for Mrs Williams to make a new dress for the occasion.”

  “You take too much for granted, my girl! Mr Bennet is in receipt of a letter from his most odious relative, Mr Collins, insisting that the old stables be restored to their former size. Imagine the nerve of him, making such a demand! Longbourn might currently be entailed to him (and to William, his son) should Mr Bennet and I fail to produce a son and heir – and, upon my word, Lizzie, I have by no means given up hope of seeing this come to pass – but I cannot see how this empowers him to dictate such a course of action!”

  “Papa would not find such interference to be welcome.’

  “Oh, Lizzy, he is quite outraged, and with good reason – for it is many years since he and Mr Collins have been on good terms, and now, to be treated as though he were a mere guardian of Longbourn! It is beyond endurance!”

  “Poor Papa!”

  “And what about us, Lizzy? – for I dare say that Mr Bennet will accede to the demand, rather than be thought deficient in his care of the estate. And then where will we be? – for Mr Bennet has not laid away any money for his family, over and above what might be deemed to be the barest minimum.”

  Elizabeth could not suppress a frown. “Are you saying that Papa is facing financial difficulties?”

  “Now that you are sixteen, Lizzy, you are old enough to know the truth. With five girls and myself to support, not to mention the expense of keeping servants and the maintenance of the Longbourn estate, Mr Bennet has been reduced to counting his pennies. Upon my honour, even the order of Jane’s new ball gown might be brought into question – though I promise you, should that eventuate, I would have plenty to say on the subject, what with Jane being so eligible to find a rich suitor! And, such a delightful dress! A most beautiful shade of blue… How well she will look at the Chesterfield Park Ball!”

  “Therefore, my application for a new gown stands little chance of approval,” said Lizzy with a half-smile. “Never mind – I will make do with that I have already.”

  Elizabeth’s disposition was not formed for despondency, and true to her word, she accepted her mother’s opinion without question – resolving to spare her father the embarrassment of refusal, by refraining from mentioning her desire for a new dress.

  Still, her papa was unlikely to object to the trip itself, and her heart filled with the joy of anticipation as she considered the delights of London.

  As she strolled in the little copse near Longbourn House, her eldest sister came into view.

  “Dearest Jane,” she began, hurrying to catch her, “You will never guess – I have been invited by Charlotte Lucas and her father to spend a week in London with them!”

  “When might that be?”

  “As soon as next month!”

  “Oh, Lizzy, that is splendid news! I am the happiest creature in the world, thinking of your pleasure at such an offer! A week in London! I dare say you will be going to a Ball. Make haste! Ask Papa for permission to order a new gown! I am sure he will make no objection – for he had no hesitation in agreeing to my request for one!”

  Elizabeth turned her eyes downwards for a moment before recovering her spirits. “Have you not heard, Jane? Papa’s financial position is less secure than what we were led to believe. Worse – he has today received a demand from our relative, Mr Collins: a demand that, if agreed to, will prove to be very expensive.”

  A frown appeared on Jane’s face that was normally so placid. “Do you think that Papa cannot afford the expense of another new gown?”

  “For Papa’s sake I will spare him the potential embarrassment of perhaps compelling him to make a reply in the negative.”

  “But what a shame!” began Jane with warmth. “Dear Lizzy, yours is the sweetest temperament! To happily forgo something that would give you pleasure…”

  “I do not believe I deserve such praise.”

  “Indeed, Lizzy, you are too modest! I understand your feelings about Papa, though. I would most definitely not have accepted Father’s generosity had I known of his difficulties. I suppose the order cannot be cancelled…”

  Elizabeth was undecided about whether to relate her Mama’s opinion. Before she had a chance to speak, Jane added, “You are more than welcome to take my new gown with you to wear in London. I suppose it will be a trifle large – your figure is slender – but the colour would suit you well. Besides, I will not be needing it until next May.”

  “But, dear Jane, how can I accept your offer, without fear of damaging the gown? Besides, you would surely like it to be brand new for the Chesterfield Park Ball,” said Elizabeth with energy.

  “Not at all – why should I be given a privilege while you are denied it? No, Lizzy – take it and, for my sake, be happy showing it off. And when you come home, I want to hear every last detail of the evening!”

  The sisters walked back into the house – their mother hurrying to meet them.

  “My dear Jane,” Mrs Bennet began, “I do hope that Lizzy has not alarmed you by reports of your father’s financial woe, which I am sure, will be of short duration. Be assured that I will make it my business to see that the order for your new gown proceeds without delay.”

  The two sisters looked at each other.

  “If Papa cannot easily afford to pay for it, then I am most willing to forgo the new gown,” said Jane with sincerity.

  “Nonsense! You must and will have it! I will convince Mr Bennet that it is an investment!”

  Jane blushed.

  Elizabeth remained silent, lost in thought.

  Recovering herself, the elder Miss Bennet spoke. “Mama, I have decided to let Lizzy wear my new gown in London. I am sure it will suit her.”

  “Have you taken leave of your senses, Jane? That gown is for you and you alone! What would the neighbours think – your wearing a gown after your sister has displayed it?”

  “But Mama, the neighbours will not know – only Charlotte Lucas and her father, and Lizzy can have a word with them not to make the information general.”

  “Nay – I will not hear of this. I suppose Lizzy put you up to it…”

  Elizabeth could not suppress a sigh of disappointment, indignation and discontentment.

  After taking her sister’s hand, Jane strolled away with her.

  “Dear Lizzy,” said Jane in quiet tones, “I cannot abide my being given preference over you. If Father does not agree to your having a new gown, then I will make an excuse not to wear mine!”

  “And miss out on your oppor
tunity of being the belle of the ball? What good will that achieve? Nay – I appreciate your sentiments, but I must insist that you abide by Mama’s directive.”

  Jane’s kindness had not gone unappreciated by Elizabeth, but she was perfectly sincere in her rejection of the proposal.

  By the evening, as the family gathered around the table, to Elizabeth’s mind, some of the lustre had gone off the news of her invitation.

  To Lydia, though, it became yet another object of envy. “How I wish I were allowed to go to London! I am sure it would be the most delicious scheme! The last time I got some new dresses made – it must be all of six months ago – Mrs Williams told Mama, in my hearing, how tall I am for my age! She said that I could say I was fifteen, and nobody would know the difference!”

  “Did Mrs Williams say that?” said Mr Bennet. “In that case, I do not know how she carries on as a seamstress, for she must be in need of spectacles!”

  “Mr Bennet,” cried his wife, “I will have you know that my sister Philips made the same observation about dear Lydia just last week. ‘How fast she has grown,’ said she. ‘And how tall she is for her age.’”

  “There, Papa,” cried Lydia. “Maybe Lizzy could persuade Charlotte to let me go, too!”

  Mr Bennet paused from his carving. “What nonsense you speak, child. You go to London? Without me to accompany you? Impossible! Why, I can scarcely afford the new gown that Lizzy must and will have for the occasion, without the added expense of another for you!”

  The end

  The New Arrival

  A ‘Pride and Prejudice’ Variation Vignette

  By Margaret Lynette Sharp

  Copyright 2019 © Margaret Lynette Sharp

  Appreciation to omelas

  Mrs Bennet seemed all but unable to contain her excitement as she sat down to dinner with her family.

  “Pray, Mama,” said Elizabeth, smiling, “tell us your thoughts – for I am sure they are pleasant.”

  Mr Bennet’s eyes twinkled as he turned to his wife, saying, “I know from long years of experience that you are in no way averse to speaking your mind, and I, too, am curious to know what is behind your happiness.”

  “And I am glad to share the news, for it prodigiously affects our family!”

  Mr Bennet raised his eyebrows. “In that case, my dear, do not prolong our suspense. I don’t know about the others, but I, for one, am now burning with curiosity”

  “Upon my word,” began Mrs Bennet, “after hearing the tidings my sister Phillips delivered today, I could scarcely stop myself from smiling for a full half hour!”

  “Might another milliner be setting up shop in Meryton?” asked Mr Bennet.

  “Another milliner – indeed, no! - though that would be most welcome,” said she, smiling. “But not nearly as welcome as the imminent arrival in Hertfordshire of a young man of good fortune!”

  “You disappoint me, Mrs Bennet,” returned her husband. “I cannot view such an occurrence as anything that warrants great joy in our family.”

  “But don’t you see, Mr Bennet? It is a wonderful thing for our girls!”

  “Are you suggesting that the gentleman in question might form a design on our girls? Goodness – Lydia has recently celebrated her twelfth birthday!”

  “I am not thinking of Lydia, or Mary, or Kitty for that matter. But surely you are aware of Jane’s womanly beauty? My sister thinks she is the most eligible young lady in the Shire!”

  Jane blushed.

  “And I suppose, Mrs Bennet, that you wish me to call upon him and invite him to visit Longbourn to dine with our family,” he continued, turning his gaze towards his wife.

  “Is not that the most neighbourly course of action?”

  “Let me consider… yes, I suppose that ranks above simply calling to introduce oneself.”

  “Undoubtedly!” declared Mrs Bennet. “And when he comes, we will have the fattest turkey in the coop for dinner!”

  “I thought you were saving that for Christmas,” said Kitty.

  “Do you not see, child, that, in the eyes of your mother, our impressing this gentleman (and stranger) matters more than Christmas?” Mr Bennet stroked his chin.

  Mrs Bennet seemed lost for words.

  “I do hope he does not have a long chin,” cried Lydia. “I cannot bear the sight.”

  “Do not distress yourself, my dear. You are far too young to be the object of courtship,” observed Mr Bennet.

  “But, Papa, if he is to dine at our table, I must see him.”

  “If his person is not to your liking, then confine your glances to those of us who are. Is that not correct, Lizzy?” he asked.

  “Yes, Papa.”

  “Good – then I am glad that all is settled!” cried Mrs Bennet, looking very well pleased.

  Three months slipped away – months in which Mrs Bennet often spoke with delight at the prospect of meeting her new neighbour.

  One evening, as the family gathered around the dining table, the head of the household made an announcement that brought cries of delight from the lips of his wife.

  “Oh, Mr Bennet, what splendid news! You have called upon Mr Williams!” Mrs Bennet beamed with joy.

  “Tell me, Papa, does he have a long chin?” asked Lydia.

  Mr Bennet’s eyes twinkled. “That I cannot answer, child, for he sports as fine a beard as ever I have seen on a young man.”

  “Upon my word, that sets him apart from all young men in our near acquaintance,” observed Mrs Bennet.

  “Is he ugly?” Lydia’s curiosity was undiminished.

  “As far as I can tell, his features are regular. He has ears and eyes and a nose, like the rest of us.”

  “Did you find his conversation to be pleasing?” asked Jane.

  “Oh, Indeed. He tells me he has recently returned from a trip to Paris, where, amongst other things, he visited a large number of art galleries.”

  “Excellent – a gentleman of culture and refinement!” cried Mrs Bennet.

  “Allow me to compliment you and your dear wife on having such a fine family!” Mr Williams gaze turned from face to face, dwelling for more than a moment on the fine features of Miss Jane Bennet.

  “They are such delightful creatures, all of them!” cried Mrs Bennet. “I am forever hearing compliments on the beauty of our eldest daughter, Jane. She celebrated her seventeenth birthday last March.”

  Jane averted her eyes from the those of the visitor.

  “Mr Williams, would you like another slice of the breast meat?” asked Mrs Bennet.

  “Thank you, ma’am, but I have had my fill. And may I compliment you on its excellent flavour! Such superb quality is normally reserved for Christmastime!”

  “I am very glad to know that it was to your satisfaction,” she replied, smiling ever wider. “And afterwards, we will have a special cake, made by my eldest. Although we employ a very fine cook, Jane actually enjoys spending time in the kitchen, and has achieved perfection in certain culinary arts.”

  Jane blushed and blushed again.

  “And your other daughters – do they also share this passion?”

  “Each is capable enough, I am sure, but I have to say that it is my eldest who really shines.”

  Jane’s complexion grew ruddy.

  After a short pause, the conversation resumed.

  “I am very glad to see Huntington Manor being used again,” said Mr Bennet to his guest. “It is better for the village to have it in occupation. Tell me, how are you finding its attics? – for I have heard many complaints about them, over the years.”

  “Ah, the attics! The attics are, I suppose, the least attractive attribute of the house – being rather cramped and musty. Still, one must not complain!”

  “To my mind, it is a very fine abode,” interrupted Mrs Bennet. “And such a ball-room! So large and elegant. Tell me, Mr Williams, are you intending to stay there for a long time?”

  “My intention is to stay for at least a twelvemonth. By then, I am hopeful tha
t Juliette will be able to join me.”

  “And Juliette – might she be your sister?” asked Mrs Bennet.

  “Indeed, no! Juliette is the young lady I plan to marry! Her parents will not give their consent until after she has celebrated her twentieth birthday. She is the reason for my rather frequent trips to Paris. That is where she lives, with her parents and two younger sisters. I am certain that she and Miss Jane (and Miss Elizabeth, too) will become the best of friends.”

  “Why the glum face, Mrs Bennet?” asked her husband, after their dinner guest had gone.

  “To think, I instructed cook to prepare our finest turkey, and to see it wasted…”

  “I fail to see how you can possibly believe the bird was wasted. No-one left even a morsel on their plate.”

  Mrs Bennet eyed her husband squarely and shook her head. “Oh, Mr Bennet!”

  The end

  The Handsome Stranger

  A ‘Pride and Prejudice’ Variation Vignette

  By Margaret Lynette Sharp

  Copyright 2019 © Margaret Lynette Sharp

  Appreciation to omelas

  The beauty of the morning had drawn Miss Elizabeth Bennet into the grounds of her home at Longbourn. As she strolled past the roses, their perfume delighted her senses, and for a few moments she let go of the thoughts that were uppermost in her mind. But as she continued on, her thoughts once again drifted towards the Applegate Ball and those who had last night been in attendance.

  Her musings came to a halt when her eldest sister ran towards her. “Dear Lizzy,” cried she, after catching her breath, “I am bursting with curiosity! Mama can talk of nothing, save for the handsome gentleman you danced with last night! But, to my mind, he seemed to be flirting with so many young ladies that I instinctively distrusted his motives.”