If Only In His Dreams
If Only In His Dreams
By Melanie Schertz
Dedicated to my friends at A Happy Assembly for their encouragement, my devoted and loving family, my furry children including my new “son” (a service dog named Darcy), and to my dear friend Pat Weston for her assistance in editing and her strong supportive friendship.
And, I cannot say thank you enough to Jane Austen for her wonderful characters that have brought so much joy and pleasure for over 200 years.
This is a work of fiction and any similarity to any person alive or dead is unintentional.
Chapter 1
It was a beautiful August day when Alexander Thomas Bennet was riding across his lands. At only twenty four years of age, he was now the master of his family’s estate of Longbourn, and the guardian of his two younger sisters, Jane who was nineteen, and Elizabeth who was eighteen. Their mother had died during childbirth of her fourth child, a girl, who joined her mother in death. Elizabeth was only three years of age when their mother, Fanny Gardiner Bennet, had died. Their father, Thomas James Bennet, had been grief stricken at the loss of his beloved wife and child, and had withdrawn into his study with all of his books rather than run the risk of loving anyone else and lose them as well. It came as no surprise that he suffered a heart attack and joined his wife and child ten years after his wife. Alex had been only nineteen when he took up the reins, though in honesty, the young man had been in charge of most of the decisions for the estate for several years before his father’s death.
Alex was a hardworking man, and he was not one to spend frivolously. This aided the estate, building it to a profitable income for the Bennet family. Alex also invested money with his uncle, Paul Gardiner, who owned an import company. The returns on his investment had allowed for generous dowries for his sisters.
Of the Bennet sisters, Jane was known far and wide as a local beauty. Fair haired and light blue eyes, sweet disposition which did not allow her to believe ill of anyone, all made Jane Bennet well liked amongst the young men in the neighborhood.
Elizabeth was very different from her sister. Having chestnut brown hair which was naturally wavy, dark brown eyes with golden highlights, and a highly intelligent mind which gave her the advantage over many of the men, for she was far better read than the majority of them. Though the young men found her enchantingly beautiful and having a delightful voice for singing, none of them ever wished to discuss politics or other serious matters when Elizabeth was near.
Other than their mother’s brother and his family, his wife and four young children, the Bennets only had their mother’s sister and her husband, and a distant cousin, who none of them had ever met before.
Mrs Hill had been the housekeeper at Longbourn for over twenty five years, taking care of the girls as if they were her own. She knew that it was quite difficult for them, being orphaned so young and only their brother to take care of them. What did a boy at the tender age of twenty four know of raising sisters? He thought of having them stay with their Aunt and Uncle Gardiner in London, so that his sisters could have a Season in Town, but Alex was concerned for his sisters and their welfare. Would they be safe in the city, where there was so much potential for a young man to take advantage of them? This question plagued his mind every time he thought of his sisters.
Each morning Mrs Hill would spend time with the Bennet sisters after they took their breakfast, teaching them how to keep the books for the house, as well as how to be involved in the estate’s tenants and their families. The sisters took to caring for their staff and tenants, as they had very caring hearts by nature. Their brother also encouraged this involvement for without the staff and tenants, there would be no Longbourn and they would not have a home. Respect was something that Alex and his sisters were taught from an early age.
This morning he noticed activity at the neighboring estate. The estate, Netherfield Park, had been empty for nearly two years, after the death of Mr Wallington. His son did not enjoy country life, so the son determined to lease it out while he remained in Town.
Alex decided to investigate what was happening. “Good morning, Mr Jenkins.” He called out to the steward of Netherfield. “What is happening?”
“We are expecting the arrival of a young man who had taken the lease for the next year. His name is Mr Charles Bingley. I do not know much more about him, other than he is single and his fortune comes from trade.”
Laughing, Alex looked at the elder man. “Well, that will keep the matchmaking mammas pleased. Perhaps I could do a little matchmaking for my sisters.”
“Two of the finest young ladies to be found in the neighborhood, they are. You should be quite proud of your sisters, Mr Bennet.”
“My thanks for the compliment, Mr Jenkins; I am quite proud of Jane and Elizabeth.”
Arriving home, Alex made his way to the dining room to take some breakfast. Pouring himself a cup of coffee, he took the morning post and the newspaper from the salver on the sideboard and placed them all on the table at his usual setting. He then filled a plate with the delicious food that the cook had prepared.
As he finished his first cup of coffee, he looked up to see Elizabeth had returned from her morning walk. His sister was much like him, enjoying a jaunt in the outdoors early in the morning to make the blood awaken. Only difference was that Elizabeth feared horses. When she was younger, she was riding with the son of a neighbor, Robert Lucas of Lucas Lodge. Robert was a few years older than Elizabeth and they were on their way into Meryton, the village nearest to Longbourn, when a snake caused the horse to rear, throwing the two riders to the ground. Elizabeth suffered a broken leg and a great many nightmares from having witnessed the accident and being helpless to save Robert from his fate. Being closer, the snake struck Robert, injecting poisonous venom into his arm. By the time anyone found them, Robert had died before Elizabeth’s eyes. She had only been eight at the time, but the fear of being on a horse, the possibility of being thrown, was as vivid as if it were the day it had happened.
Alex had tried, after their father’s death, to force his youngest sister into learning to ride. When she was shaking visibly and nearly hysterical, sobbing so hard that she could not even swing her leg over the horse, Alex finally resolved that there would be no further attempts to force his sister to learn to ride. Jane on the other hand was quite an accomplished rider. Her horse, Nellie, was older, though still had a great deal of life left in her, was no match for Alex’s Zeus. Zeus was of the highest breeding lines, and Alex was quite pleased with his purchase the day he had acquired him. Though the price was a little higher than he had initially planned, he thought of beginning a breeding farm in the near future.
“Well, Lizzy, what adventures did you have today?” Alex said as he noticed a book in his sister’s hand.
“No adventures, Alex, though a delightful escape into poetry with Cowper.” Elizabeth stated as she laid the book on the table and made a plate for herself. Once at the table, she took a bite of toast before preparing her tea the way she preferred.
“I had an interesting ride this morning. I was informed from the steward that Netherfield Park has been let at last.”
“Interesting, I thought I saw someone riding around the property a fortnight ago. It did not appear to be Mr Jenkins, or any of the tenants.”
“The young man who has leased it is said to be single.” Alex took a sip of his coffee. “And his family is new money. He will wish for a gentlewoman to establish himself as a gentleman.”
“And what does that have to do with me?” Elizabeth frowned at her brother.
Looking carefully at Elizabeth, he continued. “Lizzy, you know that you will be required to take a husband and leave home. That is the fate of all gentlewomen.”
“It is not unusual for arrangements to be made. If you were to marry a young man of wealth, you would be bringing a strong connection that could increase Longbourn in the future. Love matches are few and far between, you are old enough to know that.”
Elizabeth was confused. Alex had never discussed the future of Jane or Elizabeth in such a manner. Was he truly planning to make marriages of convenience for his sisters? “Our parents had a love match, they are not unheard of. Our society may not be the haute of London, but to arrange a marriage for us, please Alex, tell me you would not be so cold to us.”
Taking a moment to think of what his sister had said Alex let out a sigh. “I wish for only the best, Lizzy. That includes you and Jane being settled into stable marriages which can ensure your futures. I require marrying and producing an heir as well. And in my choosing, I must keep in mind what is best for Longbourn and future generations.”
“Please, Brother, tell me you would not settle for a young lady only for her dowry or her connections.” Elizabeth pleaded with her brother.
“I will do what is best; I can guarantee no more than that.” Alex stated firmly before standing and preparing to leave the room. At the door of the dining room, he turned back to speak with his sister. “Lizzy, sometimes we are not allowed to think of our own happiness, but what is the best for everyone who will be affected by our decisions. I, too, wish for someone I can love, though if I have to marry someone to protect Longbourn for our future, then I will do just that.”
Watching her brother leave the room, Elizabeth was temporarily struck dumb from his statement. She had always thought her brother to be rational and intelligent, though now she began to wonder. That he would choose a marriage of convenience rather than a marriage of love was shocking enough, but that he would consider such for her and Jane was appalling to Elizabeth.
Jane entered the dining room shortly after her brother had vacated it, finding Elizabeth sitting still and staring blankly at her plate of food. “Lizzy, is there something wrong with your breakfast? Should Mrs Hill talk with Cook?”
“No, Jane, all is well. I am only concerned over a discussion I had with Alex this morning. I never thought our brother would consider marriage of convenience for himself or us.”
Jane was confused. “What brought this subject up over breakfast?”
“Alex has had word that Netherfield Park has been leased to a young man who is single and wealthy. He feels that we should put ourselves out as potential spouses for such a man.”
“We do need to consider our future and that will most definitely involve our marrying well. I am certain that Alex will ensure that we have kind husbands who will care for us.”
“I wish that women did not have to be dependent upon the men for our future. Why do I need a husband to ensure I have a home and the necessities? Why can I not take my inheritance and make my own life?”
“Lizzy, be reasonable. We have our inheritance in our dowry. That is to add to our husband’s property and income to provide for us in the future. We cannot keep our dowry and make our own way in the world. Such is unheard of.”
Elizabeth was displeased with the fact that not only her brother was thinking of arranging marriages for his sisters, but that her sister would accept such for her life. “It is ridiculous that we are treated as if we are chattel. I wish to not have to have my future rest on the whims of a man.”
“You had best learn to accept the facts Lizzy; you require a husband, our brother or our uncles to take care of you throughout your life. I know that Alex is only looking out for my best interest, and if he arranges a marriage which he feels is beneficial for me, I will accept what he tells me.”
“If I have no other choice, I will have to accept what our brother decides. I pray that it never comes to a marriage of convenience.”
Chapter 2
Elizabeth was sewing a dress for one of the daughters of a tenant of Longbourn when she heard Alex return from riding with his steward, Mr Jackson. “Lizzy, I would have thought that you would be upstairs preparing for the assembly tonight.”
“I know I am not as beautiful as Jane, but it is not necessary for me to spend hours in preparation. Mrs Hill is pressing my gown as we speak, and then I will take a bath before beginning my preparations.”
“Well, as long as you spend at least three hours attempting to hide those hideous horns on the top of your head, I can ask for no more.” Alex teased his sister. She was more outspoken than Jane, but she was also a great deal more fun to spend time with.
“Oh, my, I forgot all about hiding them from our new neighbors. Everyone from the neighborhood is used to seeing my horns. I do hope that Mrs Hill can arrange my hair appropriately.” Elizabeth laughed.
“If she cannot, make sure they are well polished at least. We must make a good impression on our new neighbors.”
Elizabeth looked at her brother. “So is it certain that they will attend tonight?”
“Sir William Lucas said that he personally invited them and Mr Bingley accepted for his entire party. I understand that his sisters and a brother in law will be with him.”
“I do hope that they will be in the mood to dance, as I know that some of the young men are still working the harvest on their properties, which will leave us on short supply for men tonight.”
“We will make sure that you have your fair share Lizzy. And remember, you owe me the third set.”
“Of course, dear brother, I could never forget something so important.” Elizabeth said as she smiled.
“What are you working on?” Alex asked, looking at the fabric in her hands.
“It is a dress for little Susan Barrows. She is growing so fast and it is difficult for Mr Barrows after losing his wife last month. Jane is working on some clothes for his son.”
A grim smile graced Alex’s face. “Thank you, Lizzy. You and Jane are so dear to our tenants and I know that your efforts mean a great deal to them. I hear the appreciation nearly every time I make my way upon our lands.”
Elizabeth looked up at her brother. “Mrs Hill taught us well that it is important to take care of those who work hard to make our lives better. Mamma took care of the tenants before she…”
“She would be very proud of you, Sister. As would our father, though I do not believe Father would approve of your sneaking looks at the books on the restricted shelf beside my desk.”
Elizabeth looked surprised. She had tried desperately to make everything appear the same as it had been when she moved the books. “How could you possibly know that I looked at those books?”
Alex leaned over his sister and placed a kiss on the top of her head before taking his finger to gently poke her nose. “Because, dear sister, you just admitted to me with your question.”
“Unfair, Alex, you tricked me. Oh, I will seek my revenge against you, count on it.” Elizabeth threw a sofa cushion at him as he made a quick move to leave the room.
Their carriage arrived at the Meryton Assembly and Alex stepped out first before turning to hand his sisters down. Once both Jane and Elizabeth had their feet on the ground, Alex offered each an arm and escorted them into the assembly.
They were one of the first families to arrive for the event, and the sisters made their way over to speak with Sir William and Lady Lucas’s eldest daughter, Charlotte. Charlotte was eight years older than Elizabeth, but they had a very dear friendship. “Charlotte, you are wearing the new gown of which you were telling me. It is beautiful, and is quite fetching, bringing out the color of your eyes.”
“Elizabeth Catherine Bennet, you are so elegant with your words and compliments, but so very bad at convincing me of my appearance being anything more than fair.” Charlotte embraced her friend. “You, on the other hand, are stunning this evening.”
“Please assure my brother that my horns are well
hidden so that our new neighbor does not find out that I am far from being a sweet natured, good girl.”
“You have nothing to fear there, Lizzy, for I believe that we took an ad in the papers informing every one of your tendency of being a demon in disguise.” Charlotte laughed.
“Well, that is wonderful, as it relieves me of even attempting to behave as a proper young lady would.” Elizabeth smiled. “Have our new neighbors arrived yet?”
“Not yet. Mamma is eager, as Papa told her that Mr Bingley is wealthy; at least five thousand per annum.”
“Did he say if Mr Bingley was at all attractive or good natured? Perhaps he is a short, fat man with a wart on the tip of his nose.” Elizabeth said with a chuckle.
“Well, it seems that we will soon learn of his appearance as the carriage from Netherfield has just arrived.” Charlotte looked out the window at the carriage that had just pulled up for the occupants to step out.
Everyone was curious for a look at their new neighbor. But from the upstairs window, no one could get a good look. Waiting for them to enter the room, many whispered comments were made in regards to speculation over the newcomers.