Longbourn- The Early Days Read online

  “Indeed,” her sister replied, blushing, “he is a fine-looking young man, and his manners are more delightful than those of any other young man of my acquaintance. But, in case you are wondering, I saw no more in his addresses to me last night than those he delivered to Charlotte Lucas, or to any or nine or ten other eligible young ladies. I must confess my surprise, though, that he did not seek you out as a partner. For you were, by far, the prettiest young lady there.”

  “You are too kind, Lizzy.”

  She shook her head in quiet dissent. “Tell me, Jane, were you disappointed by his lack of attention towards you?”

  “Upon my word, Lizzy, I cannot admit to such feelings. Why should I be disappointed? – for I never went short of a partner.”

  An odd mixture of emotions overwhelmed Elizabeth: relief, that Jane apparently did not harbour feelings for this man; acceptance, that she herself was one of the many girls that had caught the stranger’s eye; and annoyance, at feeling a kind of jealousy towards Miss Lucas, who was undeniably her closest friend. She tried unsuccessfully to suppress a frown.

  “But Lizzy, you are not already in love with him, are you?” Jane’s eyes met those of her sister.

  “Good heavens, no! What a simpleton I would be, to fall in love with someone I scarcely know.”

  “But I suppose you might like to know him better? – for Mama is determined to persuade Papa to ask him to dine at Longbourn.”

  To her horror, Elizabeth’s blushes deepened.

  “I am not at all convinced that Papa would agree to such a scheme,” said Elizabeth. “We all know that Father exercises caution in regard to whom he invites into our home. Mr Blackman seems to be sadly lacking in connections.”

  “But, Lizzy, Mama is convinced that Mr Blackman is a rich man! Our aunt, Mrs Phillips, said as much to her last night.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “I would like to think it is true, for the sake of Charlotte. I could not but notice that his attentions towards her were received with pleasure.”

  “Do not delude yourself, dear Lizzy,” cried Jane with warmth. “I saw the way he looked at you. Certainly, he spent time talking to Charlotte, but that was after a conversation he had had with Sir William Lucas.”

  Elizabeth arched her eyebrows. “To what are you alluding?”

  “I am loath to think ill of anyone, Lizzy, but I have it on good authority that Sir William had been discussing his good fortune in inheriting a large sum of money from a recently-deceased uncle.”

  “But, if Mr Blackman is wealthy, why would he suddenly become interested in Charlotte, once her family’s enhanced fortune became known to him?”

  “Perhaps he did not wish to court someone whose attachment towards him might have financial undercurrents.”

  Elizabeth’s mood became ever more thoughtful.

  “Tell me honestly, Lizzy – do you really like him?”

  “Indeed, I do – I have no reason to feel any other way. He is, by far, the most pleasant young man of my acquaintance. But, Jane, ‘tis nothing more than a friendly feeling – and if he should choose Charlotte as his companion, believe me, I will have no cause to repine.”

  As the day drew on, Elizabeth’s mind refused to settle, and feeling the need for exercise, she set off alone, on foot, to Meryton, where she spotted Charlotte Lucas as she was about to enter the milliner’s. She hurried after her.

  “Good morning, Charlotte!” she said, smiling.

  “Good morning, dear Lizzy. What a lovely surprise, seeing you here. I would very much welcome your advice on the selection of a new bonnet. Your taste is much superior to mine!”

  “Nonsense! I most certainly have never perceived any such want in your discernment! Your judgement in such matters is unerring,” cried Elizabeth with energy.

  Charlotte smiled. “You are too kind, my friend. But in any case, I would value your opinion. I saw one here last week, trimmed with blue ribbon. I rather liked it, but still felt a little unsure of whether I should purchase it. Papa is very strict with my allowance.”

  “Perhaps he will become more lenient, now.”

  “I suppose you are alluding to his inheritance. I fear he may have exaggerated its worth,” she added, glancing away.

  Elizabeth arched her eyebrows.

  “I am afraid that Papa has a penchant for exaggeration,” Charlotte continued in a half-whisper as they strolled into the shop.

  The purchase made, Elizabeth and Charlotte made their way to a small park, where they sat in the shade of an oak tree.

  “Tell me, Lizzy, what did you think of Mr Blackman? – for Papa has asked him to dine with us tomorrow,” asked Charlotte, wearing a wan smile.

  Elizabeth caught her breath. “Mr Blackman – oh, what can I say? His manners are captivating, his smile infectious, and his conversations intriguing.’

  “Then you like him?”

  Elizabeth felt all the nuances of such a question. “What is there to dislike?”

  “Nothing, perhaps.”

  “Pray, why are you asking me such a question?”

  “Simply because my sister Maria pointed out that he paid no attention to me until Papa mentioned our windfall. In fact, Maria seemed to believe that, prior to that, he had singled you out as his chosen partner.”

  Elizabeth blushed and blushed again with embarrassment and vexation.

  “I can guess what you are thinking, Lizzy – but Mr Blackman is reported to be very rich. So rich that my family’s wealth should not be a major attraction.”

  An odd mixture of feelings overcame Elizabeth – uppermost, a sense of unease that her best friend should harbour such doubts about the character of Mr Blackman. The good sense of Charlotte Lucas should not be discarded, thought she, though her secret heart whispered hopes in quite a different direction.

  Charlotte’s doubts were still coursing through Elizabeth’s consciousness as the Longbourn family sat down to enjoy their evening meal.

  “Why the sour looks, Lizzy?” asked Mrs Bennet, reaching for her table napkin. “I expected your spirits to be high, after the delights of last night! And may I add that I approve of that nice young man who danced with you twice! Though, I must say, I do not understand his choice of Charlotte Lucas for no fewer than three dances – for she is such a plain little woman, and her taste in gowns leaves much to be desired. I never saw such a staid-looking garment on a girl in her early twenties. Perhaps she borrowed it from Lady Lucas, though I suppose that Charlotte is of a slighter build…”

  “Perhaps it belonged to Lady Lucas, when she was young,” suggested Lydia, sniggering.

  Elizabeth frowned.

  “Good Lord,” cried Lydia, “I believe that Lizzy is jealous of Charlotte!”

  “Indeed, you are mistaken!” cried Elizabeth with spirit. “I have no reason to be jealous.”

  “Pray, did you not find the attentions of that nice Mr Blackman to be to your liking?” asked Lydia. “For I was hoping to be asked to dance, but I could not but notice that he chose you, until he set his sights on your friend, Miss Lucas.”

  Elizabeth’s colour changed.

  “Mr Bennet, I implore you to make haste, before Miss Lucas snatches him from our Lizzy! My sister Phillips is certain – quite certain – that he is a wealthy man. It would be a fine thing for one of our girls to ensnare him – though I wonder why he did not single out Jane, for her beauty is talked about through all the shire.”

  Mr Bennet stroked his chin.

  “For the sake of our family, Mr Bennet, do not delay! Invite the gentleman to dine with us before the week is out!”

  “I concede the prospect of seeing Mr Blackman seated at our table intrigues me,” said Mr Bennet, his eyes twinkling. “But, as for your contention that he would make a good match for our Lizzy, I must beg to differ.”

  Elizabeth stared at her father.

  “I have it on good authority that Mr Blackman is nothing more than a London bootmaker,” said he, turning his gaze from Elizabeth to his wife. “He lives in a r
ented room above a shop in Cheapside.”

  The end

  Mark My Words

  A ‘Pride and Prejudice’ Variation Vignette

  By Margaret Lynette Sharp

  Copyright 2019 © Margaret Lynette Sharp

  Appreciation to omelas

  “My dear Eliza,” began Charlotte, turning towards her and gazing into her eyes, “it pains me to talk of this, but for the sake of your family – and especially for the sake of your own dear self – I fear I must. Knowing the details of the entailment, I am well aware of the dire necessity for you and your sisters to marry: indeed, to marry into wealthy families. ‘Tis a truth, universally acknowledged, that such families place a high value on impeccable connections.”

  “Upon my word, Charlotte, I confess to being more than a trifle frightened by your serious tone of voice. Pray, do not prolong my anxiety by further hesitating to reveal the particulars of your intelligence.”

  Charlotte frowned. “Oh, Lizzy, ‘tis simply this. Reports of unseemly behaviour on the part of your sister Lydia are being circulated most industriously throughout Hertfordshire. I, myself, have had those reports imparted to me by three reliable sources – even as has my sister, Maria. Indeed, Mama has gone so far as to suggest that my friendship with you might bring my own reputation into disrepute. Though I know this to be patently unfair, and that your character and behaviour are beyond reproach, I am mortified to think that my mother has had occasion to caution me.”

  Elizabeth blushed and blushed again – overcome with embarrassment and vexation.

  “I see that my speaking out has caused you prodigious distress,” said Charlotte, “but I felt it would be unwise to remain silent. Perhaps you might counsel your sister as to the necessity of behaving in a ladylike fashion.”

  After a brief interval of silence, Elizabeth spoke. “I thank you for your frankness, Charlotte. But the sad fact remains – my prospects of reforming Lydia seem as remote as hers are of marrying a prince.”

  Charlotte gave a half-smile.

  “Well may you smile, my dear friend, for I know what you are thinking. Try as I might, I am unable to succeed in delivering advice to Lydia in such a manner as to ensure it be acted upon. Throughout all her life, she has remained unchecked by my parents, and now, at just fourteen, her reputation is being sullied by reports of her wild behaviour – reports, I am sorry to say, that are by no means ill-founded. Dear Jane and I have both witnessed her flirtations with officers in Meryton. I dare say that the young gentlemen involved are unaware of her age, for she looks closer to seventeen.” Elizabeth’s cheeks burned.

  “What is to be done, then? – for I cannot bear the thought of being unable to enjoy your society without fear of complications. Pray, do not look at me so strangely, Eliza. I am aware that my words sound selfish, but I am also aware of my parents’ expectations with regard to my prospects of marriage.”

  Elizabeth arched her eyebrows. “Upon my word, this is a problem that calls for sound consideration. I will ask Jane for advice. Perhaps she and I, together, might be able to impress upon Lydia the need to consider the repercussions of her behaviour.”

  Shortly after the departure of her friend, Elizabeth made haste to seek out her elder sister. After making inquiries with Mary, who was about to begin her piano practise, she found her strolling in the pretty wilderness near Longbourn House.

  “My dear Jane,” she began in earnest, “I have news that, I fear, will come as no surprise to you, for you have already alluded to its substance.”

  “Indeed? Pray enlighten me.”

  “It concerns the behaviour of our sister, Lydia.”

  “Oh, Lizzy, I feared as much, for her wildness has, of late, become ever more apparent.”

  Elizabeth nodded wisely. “I am afraid that reports of the flaws in her character are being spread throughout the shire. Charlotte Lucas has told me that her mama fears that association even with us – her sisters – will smear the reputation of other young ladies.”

  “Oh, Lizzy, that is dreadful! Surely Charlotte does not wish to drop her association…”

  “I have no doubt that Charlotte values our friendship,” replied Elizabeth with a half-smile. “It remains to be seen whether she will follow the advice of her mother.”

  “Then, we must take matters into our own hands and tell Lydia that she must cease her folly!”

  “Oh. Lord,” cried Lydia, “what nonsense you speak! What harm am I doing? How dull life would be without laughing with the officers! Methinks you both are jealous!”

  “We – neither of us – have reason to be jealous, Lydia,” cried Elizabeth with energy. “Your antics are being talked of throughout the shire.”

  “How droll!” Lydia laughed.

  “If you have no thought for your own reputation, Lydia, might you not consider the harm you are doing to that of your sisters? – Do not think for a moment that we two can hope to escape the horror of censure by association,” Elizabeth added.

  “La! Since Jane turned twenty, I believe she is afraid of becoming an old maid!” Lydia smirked.

  Jane blushed. “My dear Lydia, pray, for all our sakes, promise me you will make an effort to behave with decorum. Even now, I fear it will take many months before impressions already formed may be changed.”

  “I believe you are both being silly! What is wrong in sharing a joke with an officer?”

  “Such public displays of familiarity, and especially by one of your age, might be construed in such a way as to reflect badly upon yourself, your upbringing, and indeed your entire family.” Elizabeth frowned.

  Lydia appeared not to hear, and smilingly strolled towards her bedroom.

  “I fear our entreaties have fallen on deaf ears,” observed Elizabeth to Jane. “Perhaps Papa will choose to intervene.”

  “For Lydia’s sake, I hope so.”

  The pair made their way to the library, where they found their father apparently absorbed in a volume of literature. As they entered the room, his gaze turned towards them, and with seeming reluctance, he put down his book.

  “I take it this is a matter of some seriousness,” he began. “I hope the stables have not caught fire, nor that the cook has run away with the new bootmaker!”

  “Indeed, Papa, it is a matter of real consternation that brings us here, but not of the nature you have described,” cried Elizabeth.

  “Pray, enlighten me.”

  “’Tis a matter concerning Lydia,” began Elizabeth.

  “Indeed. What – has she stolen an admirer of yours or Jane’s?”

  “Papa, ‘tis a serious matter. Lydia’s wild behaviour is being discussed throughout Hertfordshire. Her reputation as a determined flirt is being spread throughout society, reflecting with injury upon not only her own reputation but that of her sisters: indeed, that of her entire family.” Elizabeth spoke with heartfelt sincerity.

  “I see. You are afraid of being passed over by decent gentleman… Believe me, Lizzy, neither yourself or Jane would ever be thought of as anything other than lovely and amiable. On that score, you have nothing to fear.”

  “Papa, may I speak plainly?” asked Elizabeth, gripped by despair.

  “Indeed.”

  “Already, Lydia’s behaviour has had repercussions. Lady Lucas has had occasion to warn Charlotte of the dangers of fraternising with me.”

  “I had thought Charlotte possessed of greater sense than to take notice of such foolish talk,” he returned, “whether by society or by her mother. Good Heavens! Lydia is just fourteen years of age! Not surprisingly, she is possessed of the high spirits that normally accompany such an age. My dear daughters, you are both worrying over nothing. Lydia will outgrow her frivolity! ‘Tis merely a stage of life she is going through.”

  “And that is your true belief, Papa?” asked Jane in a half-whisper.

  “Upon my soul, it is! Let’s hear no more on the subject! Mark my words, in the space of three or four years, Lydia will simply have outgrown her exuberance, and wil
l have become quite a respectable, well-thought-of young lady, not unlike both yourself and Lizzy! Again, mark my words!”

  “I will, Papa,” replied Jane, softly.

  After closing her eyes, Elizabeth gave a reluctant nod.

  The end

  The Message

  A ‘Pride and Prejudice’ Variation Vignette

  By Margaret Lynette Sharp

  Copyright 2019© Margaret Lynette Sharp

  Appreciation to omelas

  On the morning after the Annual Meryton Ball, Miss Elizabeth Bennet awakened rather abruptly from a most uneasy sleep. Her normally placid thoughts and dreams had been replaced by those of a most disturbing nature: the kind from which no happy repose could ever be recovered. It was a new and deeply distressing feeling.

  In desperation she closed her eyes, opening them again as she struggled to make sense of her chaotic torrent of thoughts. But lacking the certainty of being able to secure Jane’s advice, she found no such avenue open to her, and no such resolution in prospect.

  Her mind would rest on no other topic. ‘Perhaps I am in error,’ she thought, more out of hope than any semblance of unbiased reason. ‘Yet, how could this be – for one would be blind not to notice the looks that passed between Jane and Mr Grey as they danced and chatted time and time again?’

  Yet Elizabeth had been sure – so very sure – that this young gentleman’s interest had been directed towards herself: herself, alone. So certain of his feelings and wishes in this regard had she been, that she had allowed herself to think of him with more than a minor degree of affection.