3. Chapter 3

Chapter 2

Elizabeth Bennet watched the sunrise from the top of Oakham Mount, the highest point near her home of Longbourn. Taking a deep breath of the cool morning air she drew her shawl closer to her body for additional warmth as she gazed out at the surrounding vista below her. She relished the time she spent during her morning walks. The frequent rain had prevented her from venturing outside in over a week. Upon waking that morning to the absence of the rain, she had quickly dressed and grabbed her shawl. The path towards her favorite vista had been muddy, but she didn't mind a little mud. Although her mother would surely admonish her for the state of her petticoat. At the thought of her mother, Elizabeth frowned. Even out of doors, her mother's harsh voice sought to overcome her peaceful reverie. Shaking her head as if to rid herself of a bothersome insect, Elizabeth let her mind wander towards more pleasant things.

At this moment in time, Elizabeth was perfectly content. Truth be told, there were very few moments when Elizabeth was not content. Her character was such that she could find amusement and enjoyment out of every situation. Her life was simple, but valuable. Her family and small circle of acquaintances she cherished and added to the richness of her life. Indeed, Elizabeth Bennet could not imagine life getting any better.

Blessed with a bright and happy disposition, as a child she had been extremely precocious and inquisitive which had caused her mother unending displeasure and her father unending delight. Her mother was constantly lamenting why Elizabeth could not be more demure like her elder sister, Jane. To her mother, Jane was the ideal woman and daughter. Despite her mother's clear favoritism, Jane was all that was good and kind. Elizabeth's father was the only one that truly understood and appreciated her wit and intelligence. At an early age, Mr Bennet had discovered that his second eldest had a keen intellect so he had nurtured her love of learning. Teaching her had been one of the few joys he experienced in his ever increasingly chaotic household.

Elizabeth took another deep breath of cool morning air and turned to head back home. The household would be up soon and she didn't want to risk her mother's displeasure.

Approaching the house, Elizabeth paused to determine if her mother was indeed awake, managing her domain. Not hearing her mother's strident tone, she entered the house through the front door. Removing her shawl and bonnet, she entered the breakfast room. Her father was the only family member seated at the table reading the morning newspaper. Upon entering, Elizabeth greeted her father before helping herself at the sideboard.

"Out again, my Lizzy?" inquired Mr Bennet glancing up from his paper.

Elizabeth smiled and took her seat next to her father. "Of course. You didn't think a little mud and cool air would keep me indoors?"

"Let us hope your morning walk went unnoticed by your mother." Mr Bennet stood and with a raised eyebrow and a wink headed towards his study.

Elizabeth didn't get to enjoy her breakfast in solitude for long before her mother entered with her four sisters. Kitty and Lydia entered arguing over a ribbon, Mary with her nose in a book and Jane with her usual smile. Elizabeth held her breath as her mother spied her sitting at the table. Besides her customary frown reserved especially for her second eldest, nothing was out of the ordinary. Elizabeth envied her father's timely exit.

Jane sat besides Elizabeth and leaning over, whispered, "I distracted mama for you this morning until I heard you come in." Elizabeth gave her sister a grateful smile. "Let's hope I can escape upstairs before she spies the state of my petticoat or hears I went out in nothing but a shawl."

"Maybe something will transpire which will divert her attention." Before Jane could say anything else, their mother interrupted. "And where were you this morning, Lizzy? I hope you didn't go on one of your walks this morning, what with all this mud! I am sure this cold air cannot be good for your health."

Before Elizabeth could answer, Mary said, "I was able to copy that new duet from Maria Lucas if you would like to go over it with me later this morning."

"With pleasure, Mary," with a grateful look, she added, "Thank you." Elizabeth was always surprised and extremely grateful when her sisters came to her aid in deflecting their mother's disapproval of her walks in particular and Elizabeth in general. Elizabeth knew that her mother loved and cared for her, deep down but she had little patience with a daughter she could not understand. Her mother favored Jane for her extreme beauty and Lydia for her high spirited temperament, although Elizabeth would describe her youngest sister's behavior as indulged.

Mary's timely interruption was enough for her mother's attention to be engaged with her two youngest sisters who were still arguing over a ribbon. Her mother's shrill, "Oh! Let her have it Kitty! All this arguing is making my head ache!" put an end to the dispute. With a cry, Kitty exclaimed, "But it is mine! I paid for it with the last of my pin money! It's not fair that she should have everything that is mine!" With a sob, Kitty fled the breakfast room. Jane quickly followed her distressed sister to offer consolation and the offer to borrow one of her ribbons.

Elizabeth, noticing that Lydia had a smug expression on her face said, "Lydia, you already have a ribbon that exact shade. That was unkind of you to take what rightfully belonged to Kitty."

"Oh, but it isn't the same Lizzy," protested Lydia, "This ribbon is at least a half inch wider than mine and will look so much better on my bonnet." Lydia waved the offending ribbon in front of her sister. With a sly look, she continued, "Besides, I'm not the only one who is unkind."

"Whatever do you mean Lydia?"

"Why, you being unkind to poor mama's nerves by going out of doors in all this mud!" With a triumphant smirk, Lydia flounced out of the room.

With a slight groan, Elizabeth turned to look at her mother to gage her reaction. Unfortunately for Elizabeth, her mother had heard Lydia's parting remark. Her mother's face turned an unbecoming shade of red and Elizabeth braced herself for the inevitable argument.

Elizabeth was not disappointed. "Lizzy! How could you? How you try my nerves, you ungrateful child!" Elizabeth bore her mother's remonstration's as she always did, with patience and forbearance, which was extremely easy to do when one was not even listening to their mother's admonishment. Elizabeth's mind wandered to her morning walk and the peace and contentment she had felt. "Lizzy! Are you even listening to me?" Her mother's piercing voice cut into Elizabeth's thoughts.

"Of course, mama," responded Elizabeth.

" Oh! You take delight in vexing me!"

With an exasperated huff, she responded, "I do not take delight in vexing you mama, but I do believe you take delight in being vexed." As soon as Elizabeth uttered the words she knew she had finally gone too far. Her mother was speechless for a moment before she started screeching. "You impertinent chit! I wash my hands of you Elizabeth Bennet!" With that scornful remark her mother quit the room.

Elizabeth looked at Mary who had been calmly reading her book despite the chaos surrounding her. Upon perceiving her sister's gaze, Mary glanced up and with a sigh closed her book. "You know you deserved that Lizzy. Whatever made you say such a thing to mama?"

"I don't know Mary," Elizabeth said exasperated, " I know I should have been more tolerant with her, but she gets on my nerves!" Mary laughed. "I am sorry that you have to put up with her disapprobation Lizzy. I know it isn't easy." With a rueful smile, Elizabeth said, "No, it isn't but that is no excuse for my behavior. I'll go apologize."

"I'd wait for mama to cool down before approaching her Lizzy. No sense further risking her ire." Mary got up from the table and as she approached the door she turned and knowing her sister would need a welcome distraction, said, "How about trying that new duet?"

"Bless you Mary." With a parting smile, Mary left the room.

FEFEFEFEFEFE

Later that afternoon found the Bennet sisters in the parlor engaged in various tasks. Elizabeth and Jane were sewing, Jane much more successfully than Elizabeth. Kitty and Lydia were dressing their bonnets, and Mary was practicing the pianoforte. Her mother was currently with the housekeeper. Elizabeth brought her attention back to the handkerchief she was attempting to embroider. Her mother had been avoiding her all day. Her attempt at an apology had been met with nothing; not even an acknowledgement of her presence.

Elizabeth felt terrible for the impertinent remark she had made. Despite her mother's constant haranguing of everything and anything Elizabeth did, it was a poor excuse for her appalling behavior.

Jane reached over and gently patted Elizabeth's knee consolingly. "Don't worry Lizzy. I'm sure mama will come around soon. Her silent spells cannot last forever you know."

"I'm sure this time will be impressively long. It may last until Michaelmas with how angry she was this morning," Elizabeth said with a laugh. Her expression quickly changed from one of mirth to one of remorse. " I truly don't know what came over me Jane," Elizabeth's remorseful tone caused Jane to drop her sewing and turning to her sister she grasped her hands. "Stop this Lizzy! Mama was as much to blame as you! I honestly don't know how you have taken her lectures as long as you have. Your restraint is truly saintly Lizzy."

"Don't tease me Jane. There is nothing saintly about what I said to mama." With a grin, she added, "although, I'll definitely appreciate the reprieve from her constant criticism." Before Jane could respond, their mother swept into the room, followed by Hill with a letter.

He walked up to Elizabeth and presented her with the missive. Eagerly, Elizabeth snatched up the letter with a hurried, "Thank you Hill." She had been expecting a letter from her Aunt Gardiner this past week.

"Jane, please inform your sister to read her letter out loud. There should be no secrets amongst family." Her mother settled herself in her favorite chair close to the fireplace, arranging her skirts, she fixed her unwavering stare on Elizabeth.

Elizabeth bit her lip to keep from saying any other impertinent remarks. Her mother knew how she valued correspondence with her Aunt Gardiner. To read it out loud to anyone but Jane and maybe Mary was insupportable. Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth broke the seal on her Aunt's letter.

While slowly smoothing out the letter she quickly skimmed the contents to determine if there was any information she would not want her mama to hear. Elizabeth was always very open with her Aunt, about everything. She feared that her Aunt would write something that would give her mother another reason to criticize her.

Before Elizabeth could read much it was snatched from her hand, tearing it in the process. Elizabeth looked up startled to see her mother standing over her with her torn letter in her hand. Wordlessly, Elizabeth held out her hand for the letter, a blank expression on her face. She could not trust herself to speak at this moment or show any emotion. The room was absolutely silent as Elizabeth and her mother stared at each other.

"Lydia, my love will you please read this letter?" Her mother's saccharine tone caused Elizabeth's stomach to tighten. No!Not Lydia! Helplessly, Elizabeth watched as Lydia stood from her chair and with a smirk in Elizabeth's direction took the two pieces of the letter from her mother. With a toss of her head, Lydia went back to her place at the work table. Placing the two halves of the letter together on the table she leaned over and began to read.

My Dearest Lizzy. Lydia snorted and scoffed, "Dearest Lizzy, indeed!" Elizabeth's clenched hands were so tight she could feel her nails dig into her palms. Jane reached over and laid a gentle hand over one of Elizabeth's clenched fists. Elizabeth smiled at Jane gratefully. With a sympathetic look, Jane quietly murmured, "Just breathe, Elizabeth. All will be well."

I hope this letter finds you well.I was sorry to hear that the recent rains have kept you indoors; I know how much you enjoy your walks.The weather here in Londonhas been damp as well; but it helps clear out the air so I cannot complain.Your Uncle is well.He had a slight head cold but is doing much better now.My dear friend, Lady E sends her kind regards to you and Jane.I had tea with her this week and she inquired aboutyou both.I was pleased to be able to give her a favorable report.I am sure it will come as no surprise to you that you made quite a favorable impression when you visited last Autumn, Lizzy!Lady E said she couldn't remember the last time she was so diverted!While we were talking, she suggested that I invite you and Jane to Londonfor part of the season. Doesn't that sound like a grand scheme?I would love to have your company...

Here Lydia stopped and wailed, "I want to go to London! Why do Jane and Lizzy always get to visit our Aunt? It's not fair. Mama, I want to go to London!" Before Lydia's temper could escalate further, her mother soothingly said, "You will my dear Lydia. Although you are too young to enjoy the delights of the season, you can still enjoy the shops and the theatre! Would you like that my love?"

With dawning horror, Elizabeth realized that her mother was suggesting Lydia take her place in visiting their Aunt. Before Elizabeth could protest, Jane squeezed her clenched fist, signaling her to stay silent. "Mama, the invitation is for Lizzy and myself. I don't think it would be prudent for Lydia to go when she has not been invited."

"Humph! I don't see why Lydia should not go! She is far more deserving than some I know!" she said with a scathing look directed at Elizabeth. "Besides, Lydia deserves to have an outing and London will do very well." Pleased with her decision she stood to leave. "Come Lyddie, let us go to your father and see how much he will give you for new clothes." The letter forgotten, Lydia followed after her mother with a triumphant smile.

"Don't worry Lizzy, papa won't agree to mama's scheme. Just wait and see." With a final pat on Elizabeth's hand she resumed her sewing.

"Why does Lydia always get the best of everything? It's not fair." Kitty threw down her bonnet and slumped against her chair, arms crossed over her chest. "Don't sulk Kitty, it's very unbecoming," admonished Mary coming over to sit in the chair next to Elizabeth.

"Jane is right Lizzy. All will be well." Elizabeth was only half listening to her sisters. She was contemplating her mother's mood. She had never before been cruel. Unreasonable, yes. Stubborn, definitely. But never cruel. Maybe her mother had reached her limit and Elizabeth's impertinent and untimely remark that morning had finally pushed her over the edge.

"I'll go talk to papa later and we'll sort this out." Jane stood and motioned for Elizabeth to follow her. "In the meantime, I think a little fresh air would do us both good."

Going over to the table to retrieve her letter Elizabeth reluctantly followed her sister out of the room.

FEFEFEFEFEFE

Mr Bennet was an intelligent man, well read and well versed in current events. He enjoyed clever conversation and interacting with individuals who matched him in wit and intelligence. He had little patience for fools, although their behavior was a source of endless enjoyment and amusement. And with six females in his household there was ample opportunity to be amused.

The Master of Longbourn was currently sitting in his library which also served as his study. It was his refuge from a household of frenzied females. Not for the first time he lamented not having a son; although his Lizzy was a cut above the rest of her sisters, she wasn't male. As a child, he had been able to overlook the fact that Lizzy was a girl. She was so inquisitive with such an active mind that he had thought little about the consequences of teaching her as if she had been his son. He could no longer pretend that Lizzy wasn't a young lady. He felt that he had done her no favor, teaching her to think so independently and express her own opinions regardless of the company she was in. His wife certainly let Lizzy know her shortcomings as a proper young gentlewoman.

His musings were interrupted by a commotion outside his door. Hearing the clamorous tone of his wife, he braced himself to have his sanctuary invaded. A rapid knock on the door preceded his wife and youngest daughter bursting in the room with little ceremony.

"Oh! Mr Bennet! The most wondrous thing! Lydia and Jane are to go to London to visit my brother!" Mrs Bennet briefly paused to continue but was forestalled by the raised hand of her husband.

"I'm not sure I understand you Mrs Bennet. Lydia is invited to London?" Mr Bennet peered at his youngest child who was bouncing on her toes with excitement.

"Why yes, of course." Avoiding her husband's intense stare, Mrs Bennet nervously adjusted her shawl over her thin shoulders.

"Hmmm, where is the letter from my brother Gardiner with this invitation?"

"Oh well, it was from my sister Gardiner, actually." Mr Bennet was amused by the nervous twitching of his wife. Something was definitely not right about this invitation, if there was indeed an invitation at all. Knowing that Mrs Gardiner usually corresponded with Lizzy, it was unlikely that an invitation to London included Lydia.

"Lydia, please fetch this letter." Lydia looked at her mother with wide eyes. "That's not necessary Mr Bennet, I assure you. My sister was so kind to extend the invitation for Jane to enjoy the season and Lydia to keep her sister company. Isn't that wonderful for our dear girls!" Mrs Bennet waved her handkerchief excitedly. "And think of all the handsome beaux our Jane will encounter!"

"Enough Mrs Bennet, I beg you!" Mr Bennet was not amused. Something was not right and he was determined to get to the bottom of it. "Mrs Bennet, please fetch Lizzy." Mr Bennet's tone brooked no argument.

"Oh, very well!" Mrs Bennet turned to leave with a huff. "Come along Lyddie!" Grasping her youngest by the arm she hastened to the door.

"But I want to go to London!" Lydia's screech could be heard throughout the house.

Shaking his head, Mr Bennet wearily sat back in his chair and rubbed his eyes. He was sure that this invitation had nothing to do with Lydia. More than likely it involved Jane and his Lizzy. He couldn't fathom why his wife would concoct such a deception.

Elizabeth approached her father's study with optimism. She knew that he would not allow Lydia to go to London. And during the season! Elizabeth could think of few things that were worse than subjecting the ton to her errant sister. Regardless of the fact that Lydia was too young to attend balls, she knew that would not stop her sister from making a complete ninny of herself.

Entering her father's study was like reading a well beloved book, familiar, comfortable, and known. Quickly taking a seat in front of her father's desk she said, "You asked to see me Papa?"

"Yes Lizzy. Your mother was just here announcing an invitation for Jane and Lydia to visit your Aunt. Did you receive a letter from your Aunt Gardiner Lizzy?"

"Yes Papa."

"Very good. And did the letter include an invitation for Jane and Lydia to come to London?"

"Not exactly. The invitation was for Jane and I to visit for the season."

"Hmmm, curious. Why would your mother insist the invitation was for Lydia and not you?" Mr Bennet leaned forward in his chair, inviting Elizabeth into his confidence.

Elizabeth knew she had to tell her father about the morning's events and face the consequences. Her father's strict admonishment that his wife never approach him with any slight misdeed, real or imagined perpetuated by Elizabeth was the only reason he didn't already know. Her father trusted that she would tell him if she had done anything truly worthy of reprimand. This was one of those moments when she deserved a reprimand.

Elizabeth quietly told her father the events of the morning and her impertinent and rude remark to her mother and the events of the afternoon with Lydia reading her letter. After her account, she worried her lip waiting for her father's reprimand. Elizabeth could tolerate her mother's criticisms with equanimity but she could not bear her father's censure.

Mr Bennet searched his daughter's eyes during her confession. He saw regret, remorse, and guilt. With a labored sigh, he looked at his beloved daughter and gently said, "I can tell you feel true remorse for your unguarded remark to your mother Lizzy," At Lizzy's nod he continued, "I am sorry that you had to endure her unwarranted lecture regarding you being out of doors. She should know by now that you will not be stopped. In that regard you are as stubborn as she is." Elizabeth smiled. "But, I cannot tolerate you speaking so to your mother Lizzy. Despite her words to you that was no excuse for your rudeness."

"I know Papa. I tried to apologize, but she wouldn't listen."

"Stubborn women" Mr Bennet murmured under his breath. "Try again Lizzy and in the meantime, please keep your impertinent remarks to yourself. I may appreciate them but you should know by now your mother does not."

"Yes Papa." Elizabeth hesitated before asking, "What of London Papa? My Aunt's invitation?"

"Hmmm, yes," rubbing his chin Mr Bennet peered at his daughter through lowered brows. "What do you think Lizzy? Do you believe you deserve to go to London?" Before Elizabeth could respond, Jane burst in the door, out of breath.

"If Lizzy doesn't go to London, then I won't as well!" Elizabeth looked at her sister in astonishment. This was so unlike quiet, demure Jane. Their mother would be appalled. Jane flushed at the amused looks of her father and sister. "Well, I won't," Jane repeated with fervor.

Clearing his throat, Mr Bennet invited Jane to sit down. "It seems we have some planning to do. When does your Aunt want you in London?"

Elizabeth grinned, blessed to have such a wonderful support in her dear Jane. She had read the remainder of the letter on her stroll with Jane out in the gardens and knew her Aunt wanted them by Easter.

"Our Aunt would like us by Easter Papa." Elizabeth knew that didn't give them much time. Easter was a little over a fortnight away.

"Well, I think we will need at least a month for you to be fully ready, don't you?" With a level stare at Elizabeth he waited for her to contradict him. Elizabeth knew this was her father's way of meting out punishment without openly upbraiding Elizabeth in front of her sister. With this sure knowledge Elizabeth quietly responded. "Yes Papa, I agree. A month will be better."

Mr Bennet smiled, satisfied. "Well then, I will arrange your transportation with your Uncle. You'll write to your Aunt informing her of your arrival?"

"Oh course Papa, I'll do that right away." Standing up, Elizabeth quickly kissed her father. "Thank you Papa" Elizabeth quietly whispered.

"Well, well. Off with you now." Shooing his daughters toward the door, he settled back in his chair with his book.

Out in the hallway, Elizabeth and Jane stood silently for a moment taking in the conversation with their father. Looking at each other they grasped hands and whispered excitedly, "We're going to London!"

A/N: If you can't tell I despise Mrs Bennet and Lydia is not far behind. I know Mrs Bennet is a little OOC, hope you don't mind :) I have always felt Mary was given the short end of the stick. As a middle daughter myself, I feel sympathy for Mary, so I made her slightly OOC as well.

Please leave a review and let me know what you think, good OR bad! Anyone want to guess who Mrs Gardiner's friend, Lady E is?