A Royal Bennet Page 9

  “My father would not have spoken in such a manner.” Mrs Bennet said, her nose pointed upwards. “Father loved me dearly.”

  Mr Gardiner was amazed at how foolish his sister was. “Fanny, our father may have loved you, but he wished to have you out of our house, for he tried for many years to make you control yourself. But you would never behave, and you encouraged our sister to be just as silly as you.”

  Jane was sitting in a chair near the side of the room. She knew her mother was a foolish and irresponsible person, and the years had not improved her behavior. Often times Jane found herself embarrassed by her mother’s behavior. Finally, Jane jumped up from her chair and dashed outside of the inn. The disgrace was far too overpowering for her.

  Only a few moments later, Mr Bennet stepped outside to find his daughter. He wrapped her in his arms, pulling her to his chest, allowing her to sob freely. One of his hands reached up to caress her blonde hair, as he had done when she was a child. “Let your tears flow, my dear girl. Let all the pain flow out on the tears. All will be well.”

  Jane wept for some time before she was able to calm. “Papa, I never knew how difficult your life has been. You did not deserve her cruelty. And now, now I learn of how she purposely compromised you, forcing you into a marriage you never wished for, and has been unfaithful to you. I cannot bear to be near her.”

  “You will not be forced to be in the same room with her. My dear girl, allow me to take you up to the room to see Lizzy. She will be pleased to see you.”

  “Was she injured terribly? Will she recover?” Jane pleaded with her father to tell her all would be well. “We are watching for signs of fever, but so far she is well enough. And, as usual, she is restless. You know your sister, she does not take well to being forced to remain in bed, no matter how ill she might be.”

  Jane smiled and gave a small chuckle. “Even when she was ill as a child, she wished to be out of bed as soon as she thought she was well.”

  “And you would always make her see sense to follow the directions of the physician. You have always been able to soothe Lizzy and make her feel better.”

  “Let us go to my sister. I long to see her.” ~~ ** ~~

  Mr and Mrs Gardiner kept Mrs Bennet and her precious Lydia in the room they had been utilizing, both of them attempting to persuade Mrs Bennet to see reason. Mrs Gardiner was appalled to learn of her sister in law’s behavior, for even though Mrs Gardiner had little respect for her husband’s sister, she never dreamed that the foolish woman would risk everything by having relations with other men. It was more than she could have imagined.

  Finally, realizing Fanny was not capable of understanding her own foolishness, Mr Gardiner made a decision. “Fanny, I will speak with Mr Bennet later, but I believe he will no longer be willing to live in the same house as you. As I am the head of the Gardiner family, it will be up to me to determine where you will reside. We have a cousin in Sussex, she lives alone on a small property, and I received word from her not long ago of how she wished for someone to keep her company. You and Lydia will be sent to live there, and your pin money will be given to our cousin for your keep.”

  “I will not move to Sussex.” Fanny’s face distorted with fury. “I am the Mistress of Longbourn, and I will not be discarded by my husband. I will not be forced from my home.”

  “You will do as I say, or I will support Thomas if he wishes to divorce you. I will make certain you do as you are told, or you will be left with nothing. If Thomas divorces you, you will be forced to find employment to support yourself. Is that what you wish? You will receive no pin money, no support from Thomas or myself.”

  Mrs Bennet’s eyes grew round. “You would abandon your sister? I helped Mother raise you. How could you abandon me?”

  “You leave me no alternative. My family will not suffer for your foolishness. I will not take food from my wife and children, just because you cannot behave yourself.”

  “This is not to be borne. I am being treated so very ill by all of you. Oh, my nerves. All of this treatment is due to his daughter. If it were not for her, none of this would be happening. She should not have been born, let alone be raised by me. I never wished for her to be with us.”

  Lydia’s eyes grew wide. She had heard her mother hint at one of the children not being hers, but Lydia had never really given it another thought. With Jane and Elizabeth being twins, it could not be them of whom she was speaking. And Lydia was certain that she was her mother’s child. But here was her mother speaking of it again.

  “Mamma, what are you saying?”

  “Fanny, you know you are to keep quiet.” Mrs Gardiner hissed through her teeth. “What is the point in keeping the secret? I despise that girl, and everything she represents. She is not my child, why should I care any longer who knows?” Mrs Bennet turned from her brother and his wife, looking directly at her beloved daughter. “Elizabeth is your half-sister. Your father share the bed of some tramp, and, when the tramp died, your father forced me to pretend the mongrel child was mine. She was born a few days before Jane.”

  “This is outrageous.” Shouted Mr Gardiner. “Thomas is within his rights to through you to the curb immediately. For you to speak so, after all you have done, is unforgiveable. You will be leaving here immediately, and for our cousin’s home. I will see that your belongings are sent to you after Thomas and the girls return home.”

  “I will not leave my mother.” Lydia declared. “I do not wish to live with my father and sisters, especially now, learning Elizabeth is the natural child of some whore.”

  Mrs Gardiner reached out her hand, smacking Lydia across the face. “Elizabeth’s mother was not a whore. If you must know the truth, Elizabeth’s mother was a relation of Princess Caroline. The woman was your father’s true love, and she should have been his wife. They anticipated their vows, but planned to marry. It was your mother who caused the problems, and it was your mother who acted the part of a whore, forcing herself upon your father in a way which would force a marriage.”

  “Elizabeth is of royal blood?” Mrs Bennet asked. “Then she should have an inheritance, a large dowry and such. I am certain it would be enough to take care of my girls. Why did Mr Bennet not inform me of this? Of course, she should reward me for being good to her all these years. She can introduce Lydia and Jane to fine men for them to marry. It is her duty as their sister to assist them in finding proper matches for them.”

  “Fanny, this is ludicrous. You dislike the girl, despise her tremendously, do everything you can to bring her pain, and then expect her to instantly do what you see as her duty by finding rich men to marry, all because you learned she is of royal blood. Now you wish to see what you can claim for yourself because of her heritage.” Mr Gardiner was furious, his face turning a brilliant shade of red. His wife moved to calm him, as she feared for his health.

  “Had I known of her lineage before, I would have been nicer to her. Of course she will be able to repay every kindness I have ever shown her. And Jane and Lydia are her sisters, of course she will wish to do what she can for them.” Mrs Bennet folded her arms across her chest in an act which resembled a petulant child. “I allowed Elizabeth to think of me as her mother, made certain that she was fed and had clothes, and kept her true birth secret from the neighborhood. I deserve some compensation for such generosity. I know others who would have refused to have her in their home, had the situation been theirs to bear.”

  Mrs Gardiner stood between her husband and his sister, glaring angrily at the latter. “You are

  ridiculous, and do not deserve such kindness from the girl you treated so cruelly. I agree with my husband’s decision that you be taken to Sussex to live. Or, perhaps we can find you employment somewhere, in one of the poorest sections of London. There are probably places, right here in Liverpool, where you can find employment as a shop clerk. You would not be able to afford to live the same sort of life as before, but you could put a roof over your head and food on the table.”

  Having fin
ished her words, Mrs Gardiner took hold of her husband’s hand and tugged him towards the door of the room. Once out of the room, Mrs Gardiner led her husband to the nearby sitting room. There, they were able to embrace and release all the tension which had built inside them.

  ~~ ** ~~ For nearly two hours, Mr Bennet explained to his beloved daughter of her heritage, of her mother, and of the deep love he held for Constance. Many tears were shed between both father and daughter. In the end, Elizabeth was able to realize the truth as to why Mrs Bennet had always disliked her. Mr Bennet left his daughter momentarily, returning with Jane at his side. Jane was then informed as to the truth of her birth, and that the sisters were half-sisters, rather than twins. Of course, Jane cared not at all. To her, Elizabeth would always be her dearest sister and closest friend.

  Mr Bennet decided to leave the sisters to speak as he dealt with his wife and youngest daughter. He found Mr and Mrs Gardiner, who informed him of Fanny’s behavior and what they suggested should be done with her. Learning of Mrs Bennet’s decision that she should be repaid for her “kindness” to Elizabeth caused Mr Bennet to become repulsed. Never would he have called his wife’s behavior to be a kindness. He agreed with the Gardiners decision. They would make Mrs Bennet realize that she had two choices, either she went to live with her cousin in Sussex, and receive her allowance, or she would face her husband refusing to give her an allowance or provide her a home. He would never allow her to live at Longbourn again, nor would he tolerate her behavior again.

  Taking a deep breath, Mr Bennet opened the door to the room in which his wife would be staying the night. Mr and Mrs Gardiner followed behind him, showing their support to his decision.

  “Fanny, I will not mince words with you. You have two options for your future, as you will never be permitted to live at Longbourn again. The first choice is that you move to Sussex, to live with your cousin. I would send your allowance to your cousin, to cover the cost of your living there. The other choice is that you find employment and housing for yourself somewhere, such as here at Liverpool. If you choose the second option, I will give you ten pounds and no more. Afterwards, you will receive nothing from me again.”

  “How can you be so cruel to me, Mr Bennet? I have taken your bastard child as my own for all these years, and now you toss me to the side, as if I were rubbish. It is not fair. You owe me so much for taking in your daughter, as I gave her everything my own daughters have had.”

  “Everything but affection. The most important thing, which Lizzy always craved, was to be loved. And all you could give her was your hatred. No more, Mrs Bennet. Lizzy knows the truth now, and I care not what others think. Jane has also accepted the truth, as Jane has always loved her sister. You will not be reimbursed for your cruelty to Elizabeth. And you most certainly will not be reimbursed for your cruelty for separating me from my dearest love, the woman who should have been my wife. As far as I am concerned, you no longer are a part of my life.” Mr Bennet turned his head towards his youngest daughter. “And you will not be left to your mother’s foolishness. It is time you were taken in hand and taught how to be a decent person.”

  “I will not live with you.” Lydia shouted. “I will live with Mamma, as she loves me and you do not.” “Your mother will not be able to take care of herself, let alone you. I will not pay an allowance for her to take you with her. As you are my daughter, I have to say in where you will live. And I have decided you require school to teach you properly.”

  “I will run away from any school in which you put me.” Lydia became defiant. “And if you run away, then I will have you dragged back to school, by the ear if need be. I can also hire someone to be with you constantly, to ensure you attend school and to do as the instructors tell you.”

  “Mr Bennet, you cannot take my dear girl from me. It would not be fair for you to take my home and my daughter from me. Please, you must be fair to Lydia. You cannot imagine what such separation from her mother would do. It would be too difficult for her. Jane is grown and would survive it, but not my dearest Lydia, who is still so young.”

  “I will hear no more on this matter. You need to make your decision, so I can make arrangements. Will you be moving to Sussex or will you be finding employment?”

  Fear was beginning to take hold of Mrs Bennet’s mind. What was she to do? She could not turn to the men she had been bedding, for they had no money to keep her, and they were living in the vicinity of Longbourn. “I cannot live with my cousin. She is far too strict in her ways. I would be miserable.”

  “Then you choose to find employment? Very well. I will see that you have the ten pounds and papers will be prepared, stating clearly that you will receive no further assistance or funding.”

  Fanny Bennet turned her attention to her brother, her eyes pleading. “Brother, you would not allow my husband to treat me in such a manner. Please, tell me that you will protect me.”

  “No, Fanny. You had your choice. You have chosen not to move to Sussex, so you must now find employment.” Mr Gardiner stated. “Now, I will begin to make inquiries about employment for you. We will most likely be staying here for a few days, no more than a week. Do you wish to live in Liverpool or London? And, mind you, if you choose London, it will not be in a fashionable section of Town. It would, most likely, not even be in as nice a neighborhood as where we live. You will need to learn to live within your means. We will not be giving you any

  assistance.”

  Finally, Mrs Bennet realized she had no way of convincing her brother or her husband of changing their minds. She even thought to pretend to take ill, though the men were adamant on their decision. “I would prefer to live in London.” She said, her nose pointing upwards, as she attempted to keep some dignity.

  “Very well, I will send expresses to a few people I know who might be in need of a clerk or maid.” “MAID? You think I would clean someone’s home? Do you think I would lower myself in such a manner? I have been the Mistress of Longbourn, one of the larger estates in the neighborhood of Meryton. And now, you believe I will lower myself to take such an occupation?”

  “If you wish to survive, Fanny, you will. You are no longer the pampered daughter of a country solicitor, nor are you the wife of a country squire. You are now a woman who needs to work to support her. I will hear no more of this. Tomorrow, you will be put on a post carriage for Town and that is all to be said.”

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 9 Mr Bennet was pleased to find his daughter sleeping when he returned to the bedchamber. Jane had gone downstairs with the Gardiners to have something to eat. As he stepped to the side of the bed, Mr Bennet noticed beads of perspiration forming on his daughter’s forehead. He reached out his hand, gently touching Elizabeth’s face. Finding her to be extremely warm, Mr Bennet left the room, searching for the innkeeper. The physician was required, as Elizabeth had developed a fever.

  Once the innkeeper sent his son for the physician, Mr Bennet returned to the bedchamber, carrying a pitcher of cool water and some bits of cloth. He began dipping the cloths in the water, wringing the excess water from them, before placing them on Elizabeth’s face. Fevers had not been uncommon to Mr Bennet, as over the years, he had sat at the bedside of many relations. It was important to bring the fever down. It was difficult to watch loved ones when they were ill, and Mr Bennet had never been comfortable when it was his beloved first born. Any suffering she had to endure was pure torment to him.

  Jane and the Gardiners returned to the room, and Jane took over rinsing the cloths in cool water as needed. “Papa, you and Uncle should wait in the sitting room. I have asked for a tray to be brought up, for you must eat.”

  “I cannot even think of food, Jane. I am too worried for Lizzy, food is not important.” “Papa, Lizzy would be furious if she were to learn you were not taking care of yourself. You do not wish her to worry over you, do you?”

  “I will be fine, Jane. It is Lizzy with whom we must be concerned.” There was a knock on the door. Mr Gardiner o
pened it, finding the physician had arrived. Finally convincing his brother in law to leave Elizabeth’s bedside, Mr Gardiner led him to the sitting room. The food had arrived, yet Mr Bennet could do nothing but pace the floor.

  Richard Fitzwilliam joined the men, having learned of Elizabeth’s condition. “My cousin will be difficult to keep in his bed, once he learns of her fever.”

  “And how is your cousin recovering? He has not taken a fever, has he?” Mr Gardiner inquired. “No, but he is easily aggravated, as his wish is to see Miss Elizabeth for himself. It is my belief that he feels I am keeping the truth from him.”

  Richard attempted small talk with the men, though he was not surprised to find Mr Bennet unwilling to speak. Mr Gardiner informed Richard of what had been decided with regards to Mrs Bennet.

  After what seemed to be hours, the physician joined the men in the sitting room. “The fever is a bit lower, and we have applied a poultice to the wound. The wound is extremely red and hot to touch. There was some pus, but we were able to drain the pus before we put on the poultice. The herbs will aid in drawing out any infection in the wound. And your other daughter has been able to encourage her sister in taking some broth and weak tea. Miss Elizabeth will need all the nourishment she can get to give her the strength she requires to recover.”