Yet the Son was to Come (Ch 51-58)

By Bethany Delleman

Chapter 51 – November 1815, Longbourn

Elizabeth and her husband arrived at Longbourn before dinner and Lydia, having expected their coming by an express post, came immediately to the sweep to greet them.

“Elizabeth! I am delighted to see you! Have you heard the news?”

“Yes, I am sorry for your loss.”

“Oh, yes, though, I mean to say have you heard that I am married?”

“I have.”

Lydia smiled, “It was all rather sudden, but such a story that might only be found in novels, I was rescued by a knight. I will tell you everything soon. We must walk together once you are settled.”

Elizabeth’s attention was now called by her parents, who had come outside to greet her. Both Bennets had been anxious to see Elizabeth for they had both been truly concerned for her health. Mr. Bennet was immediately satisfied to find his daughter greeting them, standing in her own strength, and showing her ready quickness of mind. He saw that she was thinner and certainly more tired than usual, but he saw no reason that in a short time she might be what she had ever been before.

Mrs. Bennet, once being assured of the health of her daughter, began in earnest to speak of her own concerns, “Why, Elizabeth, it is a shame you could not come sooner and meet your brother, he is only asleep now or I would have brought him down. And you must meet your new brother-in-law, he is inside. We have been all in a uproar this last week at least!”

The introductions all occurred over the course of the next two hours, the Darcys found in General Warren a respectable and sensible man. Casual observation was enough to reveal his deep love for Lydia. When it came to her sister, Elizabeth was surprised to find her different than before. She recalled how Lydia had made a great show of “dear Wickham” and demanded her sisters show her deference for her married state. Lydia was quieter and while she was clearly delighted to be styled, Lady Warren, she made no parade of it. But Elizabeth’s keen eye did not miss Lydia’s affection, there was a way that her sister sought out her husband, looked for him in every room, that spoke of a deeper, more mature understanding of love.

The next day the sisters set out together while the three men went out to shoot. Lydia had a great deal to say and Elizabeth listening obligingly, though the matter most heavy on her own heart must be the fate of Lavinia. She waited patiently, however, until Lydia found her way to the subject herself.

“I will not tell our mother yet, for it is a great secret, but I am to expect a confinement in some months.”

“Shall I wish you joy?” Elizabeth asked.

Lydia blushed; Elizabeth was surprised by her consciousness. She said at length, “Please sister, wish me every joy. There was a time when I would not have seen my condition as something to desire, but now it is very different. He will not leave my side; he is elated. It is so very different than with,” she paused, “my daughter.”

Elizabeth could not speak.

Lydia continued, “I had thought you might bring her with you when you came, but I am glad you did not. It would have been too difficult to see her.”

“Are you certain?” Elizabeth said, fighting back her own tears, “We can send word and have her brought to you.”

“No,” said Lydia. She took her sister’s hand, “Please do not think poorly of me, I hope there is a time when I can love her as I ought to, I hope she will understand. But to be with her now! Is it too much to ask of you that she be like your own child? I know I have been a selfish creature, but when I sent her to you, I wanted her to escape. I wanted her to have the life I could never achieve. And now, I want to start anew.”

Elizabeth felt tears running down her cheeks and she wiped them away, “I will raise her as my own, if you will allow it.”

Lydia nodded, “We are to go abroad, as soon as my husband has orders. It would be too much to take her away from everything she knows. I will visit her, I will be her beloved aunt, but you are the one who deserves to be her mother. I will only try to be worthy of the next one.”

Elizabeth embraced her and promised to take care of Lavinia. Lydia dried her own eyes and then with sudden composure and an abrupt effort to push the topic away, began thusly, “I have not yet told you about the journey home, you see, we were meant to leave directly on the morning of the 4^th of November, but there was a storm and they thought the channel unfit for passage. We were obliged to wait until the next day and you will not believe, the Dowager duchess of – arrived that very day and took the voyage with us. She did not take well to the sea and I am certain she was as green as her pelisse.”

Lydia continued on, no different in essentials, silly and frivolous, but there was a difference that warmed Elizabeth’s heart and gave her hope that this time everything would be different: Lydia was loved.

Chapter 51 – December 25 1815, Longbourn

Mrs. Bennet looked over her Christmas meal with pride, it was a handsome table, and she was certain that no one in the neighbourhood sat to a meal half as good on Christmas night. Her thoughts would remain her own for the time being, Mr. Bennet’s persistence had limited her endless comparison to her peers in public, though he now endured them himself in private. Mrs. Bennet still would talk forever in company, but in a slightly lower tone and on more respectable topics. The change was noticed among their friends and appreciated.

The room was full of their guests, the Gardiners, the Philips, and Edward and Mary Philips. Mrs. Bennet extremely proud to have completed the task she began when Jane turned fifteen and all her thoughts had turned towards securing all her daughters husbands. Four of her daughters were happily married and Kitty was engaged to such a prosperous young man! She had no pressing worries about young Lewis, he was healthy and handsome, and when the time came, he would find a woman of at least 10,000 pounds, she was certain. He has such a prosperous estate to inherit! Mrs. Bennet expected the next years of her life to pass in great felicity, with visits from her daughters, growth from her son, and the company of her husband when no one else could be found.

Mr. Bennet’s mind was on his estate, the management of which now occupied more of his time than anything else, other than study, ever had. He had improved his yearly income and made progress in improving his reputation in the neighbourhood. He was determined that by the time his son inherited, the Bennet name would be a respectable one in Meryton and Hertfordshire at least. He was resolute that young Lewis would be raised with much greater care than his sisters with careful attention from his father.

Lewis would grow into a fine young man, his mother would live long enough to see him reach majority and his father to see him marry, with much more prudence than he himself had done. Their efforts in raising Lewis would be richly rewarded, he would inherit his mother’s beauty, his father’s intelligence, and a proper sense of morality. His only failing, and it cannot be too much of one, was that being raised alone and with two such attentive parents, he was given to thinking perhaps a bit too well of himself. But do not despair, his wife would be good enough to set him almost completely right.

Chapter 53 – March 1816, Camdale

 Charlotte regarded the parsonage with a critical eye. It was somewhat smaller than their last home and certainly in need of improvement. The want of attention was everywhere in the house. Mr. Darcy had already had the house thoroughly cleaned, repaired the fallen chimney, and cleared a large tree that had fallen on the former stables. Charlotte and Mr. Collins had arrived to take charge of the rest of the improvements. Their patronage from Pemberley was liberal and Charlotte had been, in great economy, able to save a portion of income each year which she was prepared now to invest in what she determined to be their permanent home.

The night that Mr. Collins had decided upon to break the unhappy news to Lady Catherine had been a difficult one.

“You mean to leave?” said she, in open disgust at the suggestion, “I quite depend upon you as the rector for the parish. How am I to rely on a poor curate, a man unable to find his own living, to discharge the duties of a clergyman to the same degree. I will not have it!”

There was little, however, that the formidable woman could do. The living was settled on Mr. Collins for as long as he lived, and the bishop had approved the living in Derbyshire. A curate would be found.

“I beg your ladyship to consider,” Mr. Collins began his prepared remarks, “That I, with my improved income, will be very able to visit at least two times a year, or perhaps at each quarter, to discharge some of my duties as the continued rector of the living. I will not, as some clergymen do, give over every responsibility to the curate and quit the area entirely. I have left notes and sermons to be delivered. You know my second living, three miles hence, had flourished under the care of the able curate that I hired with your assistance. I humbly request that you are to be the final word in the selection of a worthy enough man to take over my duties to your liking.”

This was enough to restore Lady Catherine’s spirits, for being of use was her most earnest desire. She was soon able to find the very man from among some of the poorer families in her acquaintance. She also persuaded the Collinses to give the use of the coop and family garden to the curate, a young man very desirous to marry, that he might have just enough a year to keep his wife in some comfort. This was readily agreed on by all parties and the man was installed.

The future proprietors of Rosings, especially Caroline, had given every assistance to the Collinses in their removal. The Colonel only wished to see Mrs. Collins, whom he considered a good friend, more happily settled. He was pleased enough with his situation not to overly miss her company. Caroline was desperate to be rid of Mr. Collins, whose company she found irksome and whose invitation she could not entirely prevent Lady Catherine from extending. Caroline was otherwise very pleasantly settled: she adored her husband, esteemed Lady Catherine, and proudly oversaw the beautiful estate that she would soon, she hoped, be true mistress over. The removal of Mr. Collins, and the announcement to Lady Catherine of her impending joy, made her serenity complete.

Lady Catherine be Bourgh herself bore the removal of her rector with more ease than she might have supposed. She delighted in bringing people to her company to suit her pleasure and become objects of her advice. Mr. Collins and then his wife had been vital to her for some time. However, the settlement of Rosings on the Colonel had made her truly happy. He was kind and good humoured; Caroline was interesting and always able to bring new company to fill Lady Catherine’s table. Mr. Collins, she began to realize, could be spared. 

It was Charlotte, however, who felt the removal the most. The additional income of their third living secured to their possession a large enough carriage to travel home to Hertfordshire and two of their own horses. The house, with its improvements completed, was comfortable. The next pregnancy was brought to completion and Charlotte and Mr. Collins welcomed a young girl to their family with great happiness. Charlotte was wise enough to put money away each year for her dowry and Mr. Collins was sensible enough to leave her education to his most sensible wife.

Elizabeth and Jane were frequent visitors, as Charlotte was to them. Mr. Collins, removed from anyone who delighted in his extreme deference, became reasonable enough to be admitted, if not exactly desired, into polite company and Charlotte found several new families to dine with in the vicinity of her home. With her children, her home, her friends, and her poultry, she was almost perfectly content. Her husband’s trips to Kent, which took at least two weeks every three months, afforded her much needed time to herself, which she treasured. In short, she restored her home to its former balance and felicity, with her and Mr. Collins spending the chief of their time outside of each other’s company. The disappointments of the loss of Longbourn were long forgotten.

Chapter 54 – March 1816, Scarborough

Captain Ramsey and Georgiana approached the cottage; it was a handsomely situated building. One might not have called it exactly a cottage, for it was of modern style, its roof had tile, the shutters were blue, and the walls were not covered in flowers. It had two sitting rooms at each side of the door, offices behind, and a narrow staircase led to four bedrooms and garrets above. The most handsome part of the house was its prospect, the rear entrance faced the ocean and through nearly every window except those facing forward to a well-appointed garden one could see the sea.

Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth had accompanied Georgiana, as her marriage was still a month hence. They contented themselves by walking along the beach. Captain Ramsey was determined to find a place that he and Georgiana might live by the sea when they were not in residence at his country estate. The trip had brightened his already improved temper. Georgiana found much to love in her visit, for Captain Ramsey spoke so fondly of the sea and all its benefits that she could not help but approve of it. The cottage, the neighbourhood, the beach, and the garden were all to her liking. Captain Ramsey spoke of a small sailboat and water parties for their friends. Elizabeth did not feel any attachment to the ocean, but she saw her own love of Pemberley reflected in Georgiana’s interest.

Fitzwilliam was observing the couple, as he often did when they were in company together. Captain Ramsey’s healing was at an end, he would never regain full use of his lower limbs. He walked with a cane and tired from the effort of long rambles. He was able to ride with more ease and thusly, he and Georgiana often rode together. His deep disappointment had begun to lift. Fitzwilliam had been somewhat worried that the only source of the Captain’s pleasure had been Georgiana, no man’s happiness should rely solely on his wife, but he soon saw that Captain Ramsey had other interests. He had taken over the proper management of his long-neglected estate, which had been let for some time in his absence. He hunted, shot, and fished with his friends. Georgiana was his dearest love, but not his only one.

Georgiana was to have everything she could have wished for, an intimate friend as a husband with whom she had no reservations. His love of company was not a burden to her, for his friends were already known to her and his gregarious manner allowed her reserved one relief. Georgiana, who did not renounce her accomplishments soon after marriage as some women are wont to do, learned to share her husband’s love of the ocean through painting. Her seascapes would be shown in London and beyond. The Captain would find joy in his children, particularly his second son, who would look towards the sea on their visits to the cottage with a certain longing in his eyes.

Chapter 55 – March 1816, Rosings Park

“Lady Catherine,” the Colonel said, ten days after the birth, “Caroline and I wished to speak to you about the name for the baby.”

“Have you decided upon the name? I cannot see what has taken so long. What will the child think, living so long without anything to be called by?”

“We thought it best to ask your permission, aunt, to call her Anne.”

Colonel de Bourgh watched as his aunt started, held back tears, and then spoke, “I would be honoured to have the name of my dear sister and daughter, carried forward by your child.”

“We were not certain if you would prefer Catherine.”

“No, it is proper for her to be Anne. It is very proper,” Lady Catherine rose, “and they are both in health?”

“The mother and daughter are well. There is nothing amiss.”

“I hope Caroline is eating well, one must eat as well as they can during their lying in. Has the nursemaid been attentive? She was very highly recommended; I would not have my grandchild receive anything but the most exemplary care.”

“She is indeed most attentive.”

Lady Catherine quit the room; her anxiety had been great. The last birth at Rosings had been difficult and the child unwell. What Lady Catherine must have feared and worried over! But she was fortunate, none of it came to pass. Caroline was strong, the baby was well, and the father was still alive. This Anne de Bourgh would not suffer the same fate as the one before her.

Five children would follow to fill the halls of Rosings. Lady Catherine was able to watch them grow in health and laughter, advising Caroline on everything concerning their care, education, and manners. Lady Catherine lived many more years, with the attentions of the Colonel and Caroline keeping her content and well. She lived long enough, in fact, to see a healthy little Anne de Bourgh sit at a very handsome pianoforte, her fingers flying across the keys, and was able to declare that “Anne was indeed, a very great proficient.”

Chapter 56 – April 1816, Pemberley

General and Lady Warren attended the double wedding as a last destination before they would leave the country. The General had received the position he wished for, to be the Lieutenant-General and commander-in-chief of all His Majesty’s forces in said Provinces of Lower Canada and Upper Canada, Nova-Scotia, and New-Brunswick and their several Dependencies. To be stationed abroad and to be the first man of a large area of land was gratifying to him, though it might be a scarcely-populated, backwards colony.

Lady Warren told her family, “If we do not like it, well it is not a position for life and I am sure we could travel elsewhere. My dear husband, however, is so delighted with the appointment. I am told we shall live in a grand house, and, this is the most delightful part, Lower Canada is entirely French, and we are to live there for some portion of the year. I am told Quebec, the largest city, is a very beautiful place and I imagine that I will feel just at home, as if I was in Brussels again!”

Captain and Lady Warren would indeed find everything that they desired in their new home, despite the long winters and reduced society. Lydia would delight in being the most prominent woman in a small circle and her husband took nearly as much pleasure in his own position. Six children were to follow, and Lydia was to find that with the true affection from her husband, affection for his children was inevitable. Each child would be sent around the age of about twelve for education in England under the careful eye of their aunt Elizabeth, which suited everyone perfectly.

Lavinia was not forgotten. When she was sixteen and finished school, she travelled to visit her mother. After six full months of indulgence and frivolity, Lavinia returned entirely sated to Pemberley. She would go on to make a very acceptable match to a baronet and while her adoptive parents would remain first in her heart, she was always eager to see her dear aunt Lydia when she came for a visit. That it was always several years between visits was seen as no great evil by Lavinia.

Upon Kitty’s marriage, the intercourse between her and her former favourite sister was fully restored. Kitty would remain one of Lydia’s most faithful correspondents, despite Lydia’s continued poor efforts in response. Kitty and Lydia’s lives and tempers could not have been more dissimilar, except for the fact that both were satisfied.

Kitty would never be the centre of any society, no matter how small, but she would be loved and appreciated by her husband, Georgiana, and the community of parishioners that she served. Kitty was not built to desire great fortune or fashion. She entertained no comparison between herself and her sisters. That her happiness might have seemed insignificant to the world at large was nothing to her. Kitty had found what she had been searching for and she would never want for anything more.

Chapter 57 – May 1816, The Lake District

“What delight is this? What felicity. This is fresh life and vigour,” said Elizabeth, as she reached the end of the path and saw before her the full beauty of the prospect before her. 

Fitzwilliam, who had been to these areas before, was enjoying his wife perspective. He quoted, “Sends nature forth the daughter of the skies, to dance on earth and charm all human eyes.”

Elizabeth smiled, “I believe Cowper has more to say of today, ‘The darkest day if you live till tomorrow will have passed away.’”

“In that the poet is proved correct, but I have had enough of darkness. I will not settle for less than perfect felicity now.”

“Is this not perfect felicity? What is anything else to rocks and mountains?”

“I would like to believe you prefer our home and family to rocks, though I am not entirely convinced now.”

“You know five years ago I was promised the Lake District and I went to Pemberley instead. That was very foolish of my aunt and uncle. We should have passed right through Derbyshire; I might have been perfectly content without everything that has plagued me since then.”

“I am sorry to hear of your struggles; I must apologize for my part in them.”

“You must! What have I ever gained from marrying you, besides unmitigated bliss?”

“Nothing at all, I am sure.”

Elizabeth took her husband’s hand and they walked on in mutual devotion and love. What became of them next anyone could guess, they would be happy and prosperous. They would raise their children diligently and welcome the children of those they cared for without reserve. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam would come to know more darkness, but they would always live to find joy again.

Chapter 58 – June 1817, Paris, France

“Monsieur,” said Mr. Bouchard, his weariness after much exertion that day stopped him from realizing immediately what the man was, for he began, “Vous dev-” before recognizing that his dress marked him as an Englishman and he continued, “You must leave, it is after time.” He had the tattered English of a man who had not learned it as a language either first or last and who only employed it when he was required.

“S’il-vous plait,” the man replied in a heavily English accent, “One more?”

Mr. Bouchard had not become the proprietor of such a popular of wine house for nothing, he counted the man’s money, and by knowing that it was good, poured him another glass and made one for himself. He sat down across from the Englishman and waited him to reveal the reason behind his unwillingness to depart.

“My wife,” he began, and Mr. Bouchard began to think this would be a tiresome talk, for he had heard everything of wives and mistresses and unrequited loves, but the sentiment did not end as he had suspected, “she believes that I am dead, lost at Waterloo. I have not often thought of her, yet I am regretting that I left her. Perhaps I was reckless when I sought to find something better.”

“Pardon?” Mr. Bouchard sputtered, he carefully set down his wine before listening to the rest.

“Yes, well you see- my commanding officer fell in love with her, d—able thing to do. He was so utterly smitten with her; I could hardly believe it myself. She is pretty enough, and lively, but she only has a hundred a year and a small portion thereafter. I had always thought that I might achieve higher, if not for- but my wife- I thought I might do the honourable thing; we agreed on a simple arrangement. He paid me out my commission, in ready money, and I left my coat to tell my bloody tale. I have been a free man since that day.”

“It has been deux ans– two years Monsieur, since Waterloo.”

“Oui, two years and I have done no better than d— Lydia! I tell you it is not that I cannot charm where I wish to. It is these fathers, brothers, and uncles! You know I almost had a girl of ten thousand pounds once, but her uncle would not have it and spirited her away. And that is nothing compared to Georgiana! If I had gotten her thirty, but for her brother. However, the good Marquis paid enough for my silence-” he stopped speaking and returned to his cup.

Mr. Bouchard eyed his patron well and saw that he had sufficient personal merits for the task of enticing a wealthy lady. He felt some pride in his countrywomen, that none had been sufficiently drawn in. He did have to think, however, that with the wealth of single women and widows left after the war, that this man might eventually succeed. He thought of his own daughter, and while her fortune would be far too small, he was glad that she was safe at home this night. Finally, he replied, “I am sorry for your misfortune, monsieur.”

“Wickham,” the man replied, “George Wickham, thank you for the indulgence, but I know you wish to be home.” He offered a final coin and quit the establishment, leaving Mr. Bouchard to wonder if he would ever see the man again.

It would be another year before he would catch another glimpse of Wickham, driving an open carriage with some fashionable lady. It was only a fleeting moment that he perceived them, as he brought in his cases of wine, but it was enough for Wickham to look him in the eye, and Mr. Bouchard was fairly certain, he winked.

The End