23. Chapter 21: A man plans his course

Ch 21: In his heart a man plans his course-1

Jane and Elizabeth took breakfast in their sitting room the next morning. Sighing, Jane ran her slim, long-fingered hand over the household journal her father had entrusted into her protection. "Oh, Lizzy." I cannot believe this turn of events."What is it, Jane?" Lizzy carefully poured two cups of tea. "You look so troubled."

"Do you really think Papa's idea is a good one?" Jane sipped her still steaming tea cautiously.

"Sending Lydia to Brighton?" Lizzy's brows rose high as she laughed uneasily. "I can appreciate his desires to make things easier on us…" But I fear what Lyddie will do on her own.

"No," Jane giggled, shaking her head. "But I cannot disagree with you. Lydia alone among all those red coats is a sobering thought." She smiled ruefully. "But what I meant is that I can't help but wonder if we should truly be attempting to run things in his stead?"

"Surely you are joking!" Setting her teacup down a bit more loudly than she intended, Lizzy rose and wandered to the window. "Other than managing his correspondence for him, he has asked us to do nothing that is so exceptional." I fear we should have been doing this long ago.

"But it was too difficult for Mama." Jane's dainty lips pressed into a frown. I wish I had your bravery and boldness.

"Is that what you fear, dearest, that we will not be able to manage?" Lizzy's countenance softened. You do not give yourself enough credit.

"Does that not worry you?""No, in truth, I find that I am exhilarated by the challenge. But you can hardly be surprised that I should say such a thing." Pushing a stray dark curl, she laughed self-deprecatingly. "Mama has always said that I have a most unladylike sense of adventure. How ironic is it that I should embrace such a ladylike exploit!"I wonder if Mama knows what Papa has asked of us. I wonder if she knows how much he does in her stead. Surely she does not.

Gracefully, Jane joined her sister and laid a soft hand on her shoulder. "I know, I have heard her say that many times. I am sorry. I cannot imagine that it has been pleasant to hear that over the years."

"I have learned to ignore it. I cannot be you, and little else would please Mama." The sadness in Lizzy's eyes shone through her attempt to smile. I cannot believe I just said that! I never meant to speak that aloud! Most especially not to you.

Jane sighed heavily. "I know she has always favored Lydia and me. Have I told you how much I hate it, how horrible it makes me feel to hear her say such things? I know Lydia seems to revel in Mama's attention and holds it over you and Mary and Kitty. But for me, it grieves me like nothing else. To see her ignore and disparage the things that I so value in you and in them, it breaks my heart." A silent tear trickled down her cheek. I hope you do not secretly hate me for it.

"Please do not cry. I hate to see you so upset. You are not responsible for Mama's behavior. Do not feel guilty for it. That was one thing Aunt Gardiner wrote in her letter to me, that I should not take on that which was not mine. Perhaps her advice is correct for you as well. You cannot control what Mama says, so you should not feel guilty for it." She handed her sister her handkerchief.

"I know you are correct, Lizzy. But I am not so sure that will make it any easier to listen to." Reluctantly, Jane returned to their breakfast, and Lizzy followed. "So then, what are we to do?"

"What the mistresses of other great houses do, manage the household." Lizzy shrugged, buttering her muffin.

"You say that as if it is nothing," Jane insisted, wringing the handkerchief in her hands. Surely it cannot be as simple as you are making it out to be.

"Women all over the country do it, so it cannot be such a remarkable task," Lizzy countered practically. "Do not forget, there are four of us to put to the duty that usually only requires just one." She laughed gently her brows rising with challenge.

"Do you think Mary and Kitty will…"

"I have no doubt of it. You were quite correct, I have neglected them until recently, and I am deeply sorry that I have. They are far more capable than I ever gave them credit for. I am certain they will be anxious to make themselves useful." Suddenly a noise outside caught their attention and both girls cringed.

"Mattie!" Lydia's shrill voice echoed in the hall way. "Mattie where are you! I need you now!" Both sisters turned toward the door, waiting to see if she would burst in. "You have forgotten to pack these bonnets!" Pounding feet thundered down the hall. Moments later, the sitting room door flew open. "Jane! Lizzy! Why are you not helping me prepare? Mattie seems unable to do anything right and I must be ready when they come! It would not do to anger Colonel Forster." Their youngest sister's face was red and she panted to catch her breath.

The elder girls sighed to each other. "Were you not packed last night?" Lizzy's brows knit as she tried to remember. "I distinctly remember hearing the cheer go up when you at last closed your trunks."

"I was, but I did not like the way she folded my gowns and I am determined to do it better." Lydia crossed her arms and stamped her foot lightly. "Where is Kitty? She should be helping me. You all should be helping."

"She is not your servant, Lyddie," Jane reproached gently. "Nor are we."

"But she shares my room. She ought to be helping me! It is not fair. She has nothing better to do with her time anyway. It is not as if she is going anywhere." She looked over her shoulder, down the hallway as if hoping to see her missing sister. "Why is no one helping me?"

"We have other things to do right now, Lydia. This is your trip and your responsibility. You were packed and ready yesterday. If you chose to disturb that, then it is your problem and your responsibility to fix, not ours." Lizzy declared firmly, turning back to Jane. Curb your tongue Lizzy, do not say any more or you will only prolong this outburst! She bit her tongue firmly.

Jane's eyes widened at her sister's sudden firmness. I cannot disagree with you Lizzy, but I am surprised to hear you standing your ground so. It is easy to follow your lead, but I am glad to have you to follow.

"You are just jealous and do not want me to go!" Lydia stamped again. "You are being horrible! You must come and help me now!" Hands on her hips, she leaned forward, pouting.

"Indeed we will not." Lizzy rose and slowly strode to her youngest sister. "The more time you waste arguing with us, the less time you will have to pack. In fact, the rest of us must go into town; we have some pressing errands that call us right away. So we will take leave of you now and bid you have a good trip." Beckoning Jane to follow her, she strode past her gaping younger sister.

Astonished, Jane did as she was bid, nodding to Lydia on the way out. The look on her face! I must be a horrible sister to be so satisfied by that! She thought we would bow to her demands!

"Do you know where Kitty and Mary might be?" Lizzy whispered.

"I heard that there was a new litter of puppies in the barn. They were both hoping that Papa might allow them to have one, so I would guess that they are there." Jane leaned in conspiratorially.

"Then we shall go there first." An impish grin lit her face and her eyes twinkled.

They quickly made their way down the stairs, their feet clipping the steps.

"What have we to do in town?" Jane chanced a bewildered glance at her sister. I know you do not lie well, so you have something in mind, but I cannot think what.

"Several things actually," Lizzy looked around for a moment before setting out for the barn. "I think we could benefit from a trip to the library. I know there are a number of domestic manuals that will instruct us on the management of our household."

"What a wonderful idea! I never thought of that." A brilliant smile blossomed across Jane's elegant features. "I would feel so much better with some advice to fall back upon, even if only in the form of a text."

"I hoped you would feel that way." A matching smile graced Lizzy's lips. "Then we are going to pay calls on all the merchants in town, acquainting ourselves with their wares and their prices. Economy is, after all, the virtue of a good mistress."

"You do seem to have this well planned already," Jane's brows rose archly.

"I am glad it is to your liking!" Lizzy laughed and peeked into the barn door. "There they are!"

"Lizzy! Jane!" Kitty called excitedly. "Come see them. They are so dear and Papa's pointer has had ever so many!"

For a few minutes, they admired the squirming puppies. "Jane and I are going into town, and we would very much like your company, if you are willing. Papa has charged us with a task and we would be very pleased for your help."

Immediately, Mary was on her feet, brushing the dirt off her hands. Kitty followed suit.

"I am only too happy to be away from the house this morning," Kitty grumbled.. "Lydia has been after me to do her packing for her, and I want nothing to do with it." She kicked the dirt with her toe. I am tired of her treating me like her maid.

"She told us as much. She believes you are being dreadfully unfair to her," Lizzy teased, eyes glittering.

"You do not think…" Kitty stopped as she looked up to see Lizzy's expression. She smiled broadly, relieved. "I am glad you do not think that I should."

"She unpacked everything. She should repack. She may be pretty and lively, but that does not make her mistress over us," Mary declared, crossing her arms over her chest. "So are you going to tell us what Papa has asked of you?" I cannot begin to imagine what Papa might want. I do not remember him every asking anything from us before. But Lizzy seems so excited, it cannot be anything dreadful.

"Come, let us walk, and we shall explain. It is a rather long story." Linking her arms with Mary and Kitty, Lizzy led her sisters down the road towards Meryton.

Jane lingered behind a moment, watching. Oh Lizzy, you will have us all rise to the occasion, will you not? Watching you, I actually believe we can do this after all. Shaking her head, she dashed to catch up with them.

Several hours later, Mr. Bennet stood in front of his house with his youngest daughter watching two carriages advance toward them.

"Here they come! Here they come, Papa!" Lydia exclaimed, clutching his arm excitedly. "In just a little while, I shall be off to Brighton."

Her father said nothing, his face molded into a severe expression.I do so hope this is the right choice for all of us. Do not disappoint me. You look so much like your mother, Lydia. I have scarcely been able to tell her 'no' all these years. I fear I have the same difficulty with you.

"But it is so dreadful, where are my sisters? Where is Mama? Why is there no one to see me off?" She stuck out her lip in a petulant pout. "Are they not happy for me?"

Mr. Bennet harrumphed quietly, rolling his eyes. Drawing a deep breath, he steeled himself. It is high time you hear this, though I doubt it will matter. "I believe your sisters are tired of your gloating and high handed ways."

She laughed shrilly, tossing her head. "Whatever could you mean, Papa?"

"Have you not been boasting of your trip to Kitty, even though you know it upsets her? Surely you did not miss what happened at breakfast yesterday."

"Oh that! Kitty is far too sensitive! Have you not said that yourself?" She looked up at him and he cringed. "She should be happy for me. If she had any true sisterly feelings for me, she would have helped me…" Lydia crossed her arms over her chest angrily.

"And when have you ever exerted yourself to be helpful to her?" He scowled at his youngest child. Have you ever thought of anyone but yourself? Perhaps this is not as good an idea as I had thought.

"But I am the youngest! They are supposed to help me! Oh, it is so unfair! Why does Mama not make…"

"Your mother is unwell, in no small part due to your…"

"Look! Look! They are here!" She dashed to meet the nearing carriage.

Rolling his eyes, he straightened his coat and stepped forward to greet Colonel Forster who approached on horseback. Perhaps now is not the time. It will wait until she comes back. Perhaps some time away from the comforts and ease of home will teach her some appreciation for what she has here. I cannot image that she will not be called upon to help Mrs. Forster in her duties. That should give her some education at least.

After Lydia's departure, the house fell into a quiet lull. Mr. Bennet retreated to his bookroom and settled in to reread several recent letters. Not long afterwards, he heard the commotion of a caller at the door.

"Mr. Phillips is here for you, sir," Mr. Hall, the butler announced.

Anxiously, Bennet jumped to his feet and rushed to the door. "Good, good, I am glad you are come, David." He shook his brother-in-law's hand firmly.

"It seems you have the house to yourself, Thomas." Phillips observed as he was ushered into the study and the door closed behind him. "Tell me, how fares Fanny?" He lowered himself into a chair.

"Not well, I am afraid." Thomas Bennet fell heavily into his favorite chair. "I am afraid she took Edith's chastisement very poorly."

"Aahhh," David Phillips sighed heavily. "I am sorry. For the little that it is worth, I did try to curb her enthusiasm to share the news with her sister. I remember all too well how Fanny suffered after Melissa and Percy attacked her so." she never has been strong since that day.

"I do not mean to be critical, but I do wish she had thought a bit more before speaking with my wife." Bennet chewed his lip thoughtfully.

"I know, I know. I told Mrs. Phillips that she is not to speak with anyone else about the subject, nor is she to bring it up with Fanny again. I have threatened her pin money over it, so I believe she will do as I ask. I will not allow her to be alone again with her sister for quite some time."

Mr. Bennet reached for the brandy decanter and two glasses. "I do not believe she has ever truly recovered from Rawls' death. It was truly awful to behold, despite the fact that some have said it was his just reward for treating his sister so."

"I will not second guess the business of the Almighty, Brother." Phillips shook his head as he accepted the proffered glass. "It was a sad business all around."

"Have you any news of our eldest sister?" Bennet sipped the deeply colored liquid carefully.

"No. Gardiner is the only one she ever kept in touch with after all that happened, and he has not shared news of her in well over a year now. It's a dreadful thing to be dead to your own sister." He took a deep draw from his glass, and then set it aside. "But let us speak of business," he reached for his satchel. I would like the opportunity to try and something to right here.

"Yes, there is plenty of that to be done." Bennet pinched the bridge of his nose wearily. "I have been rereading his letters just now. His father's death came as quite a surprise to him, and he says he hardly feels up to dealing with all the legal ramifications thereof."

"While I am sorry for his loss…"

"Do not be." Bennet removed his glasses and began to wipe them with his handkerchief. "His father was an ignorant, miserly man who the world is much better off without." I know that is a cruel thing to say, but for him it is the truth.

"I know he has long been a thorn in your side." Phillips frowned deeply. It does not so to speak ill of the dead brother.

"That is putting it mildly." He replaced his glasses. "That man has fought me tooth and nail every time I ever sought to improve Longbourn. 'It is a waste' he would say, and threaten to bring me to court." Raggedly, he raked his hand through his hair.

"So you have allowed the estate to…"

"To remain as it was when I inherited it. What choice did I have?" Bitterness dripped from Bennet's voice.

"I know there has been little until now, but," he handed his brother-in-law a stack of papers, "now there is some hope. If you can convince him, the new heir of Longbourn might right many of the wrongs done to you and your family."

Bennet began to look at the papers in his hand, brows furrowing as he read. These documents make my head swim! Finally he looked up shaking his head. "Tell me again why we are not just pursuing a simple recovery?"

"You could, if you truly wanted to, and we will use that as a last resort if necessary. But it is a mass of legal hocus-pocus, legal fictions the likes of which you would not believe. Blackstone himself calls them unmanly. But we will resort to that if necessary. They can take a long time though, and become expensive ventures." Phillips sighed, pressing his temples. "It is just good you did not accept a strict settlement and go enjoy those Seasons in London. For once your aversion to society has served you well. Taking the estate in fee tail instead is the only thing that allows us even this possibility."

"I knew I could not be so insistent upon my reclusive ways for no good," Bennet laughed a little grimly. Reflectively he sipped his brandy. "So, if we do not seek out the obvious remedy first, then what are you planning?"

"Collins has not signed the papers yet, so the entail may be renegotiated or done away with entirely. He has a generous living at Rosings now, enough to set him and his family up quite comfortably. What's more, I can hardly see his 'noble patroness' as he calls her," the lawyer rolled his eyes, "willing to let him set up a mere curate in his stead. No, she will insist that he remains close at hand."

"And under her thumb as I understand. He seems much like his father in that way, a lot of bluster but little sense." Poor man, I would not wish such a fate on anyone, to have such a father.

"We will use that to our advantage." Phillips rifled through the papers, looking for a specific sheet.

"You are not suggesting anything untoward, are you?" Bennet's eyes narrowed beneath unkempt brows. I will not be reduced to that level, even in this.

"No, absolutely not. Both principles and good sense forbid that. I would not compromise myself in such a way, nor would I risk the future of my sister and her daughters with a shady scheme of any kind." He turned exasperated eyes on his listener. If this does not work, their care may very well fall to me. I have every reason to want to see this succeed.

"I know, I am sorry. I do not mean to judge you ill when you are doing me such a favor. I just do not feel equal to this task, and I hate engaging in what I do not truly understand."

"I understand, but their welfare is as dear to me as it is to you, and I would not risk it." He sighed heavily, handing his brother-in-law another sheet of paper filled with writing. "This is our first offer. I will explain to him what I just told you regarding his position and his patroness. I will also remind him of the wrongs you suffered from his father. In the interest of righting these wrongs, I will offer him this proposal. In exchange for ending the entail and conveying the property to you in fee simple, you will mortgage Longbourn for this amount," he pointed to the number on the page, "and convey to him that sum which he may then use as he wishes. I will, of course, suggest to him that he can purchase an estate of his own with it, nearer his living."

"The benefit to him would be…"

"That he could begin to enjoy the fruits of his inheritance now, rather than later. That is part of the reason for the reduced value we are offering him. If we were to assume that you were to live to your own father's age at his death, or even Collins' father's age, I can show you the tables that suggest the value is very very generous. Moreover, if we consider all the lost income that you incurred because of the senior Collins' refusal to allow you to improve, it is clear that the advantage is truly on his side. I am even considering reducing the first offer further so that we can negotiate up and allow him the feeling of the upper hand." Phillips' earnestness was clear. "I will be happy to show you the calculations if you wish."

"No, I trust you. The question is, will he?" Bennet rubbed his temples hard. I dare not hope him to be more intelligent than his sire.

"I have worked with many foolish men over the years, and tried to convince them of what was truly in their best interest. The fact I am still in business speaks to my success with the endeavor. With so much practice, I have become rather proficient. I believe I have a good chance of working on him similarly." He laid the papers down.

"What does Gardiner think of our plan to repay the mortgage? Does he even think it possible? If it is not, then I would rather…"

"You would rather go after simple recovery. I know, brother, I know. I know how you hate conflict, but you must trust me that this way we have the best possibility of avoiding it." He withdrew a letter from his pocket. "This is Edward's latest missive. He gave me leave to have you read it as well. In it, he details his opinion of our plans. In short, with a few changes, he approves and thinks it a sound one. It is his opinion that the sum you have set back for improvements and the improvements you have planned will increase estate income significantly. Further, he has offered his help in the execution of your plans. He has contacts to acquire some of the things you need at especially good prices. Ever the business man, he even suggests a few possible investments for us to pursue that would generate additional income in paying off the lien. We have his full support."

"Well, then, what more could I ask? Is there anything else to be done?"

"Just make the final travel arrangements. Who will oversee Longbourn while you are gone?"

"I have given that task over to Jane and Lizzy. Lizzy will handle my correspondence and see that I receive anything pressing. There is little of concern going on with the estate right now, so they will mostly be responsible for the household. I believe they are well up to the task."

"They are most capable girls, I believe you are right. They will do you and Fanny proud."

"I just hope, when this is all over and done with, I may do them proud." Bennet sighed as he rose.

"I have every faith it will be so."

1-PR 16:9