Chapter Twenty-one.

Returning to the house after her early morning stroll in the garden, Elizabeth walked past the window of the breakfast room and noticed Mr. Bennet sitting alone at the head of the table, reading his newspaper. As she continued towards the door, she wondered about her father's recent behaviour. Since Jane's wedding, he had withdrawn even more than usual from the day-to-day concerns of the household, concentrating his time and efforts on the estate and his books, to the exclusion of almost all else. When he did reluctantly spend time with the family his usual quick humour was replaced by a morose brooding, for which she could find no explanation.

Mr. Bennet looked up as she entered the room, and a smile flickered briefly on his face. "Good morning, my dear. How are you this morning?" he asked, with a poor effort at enthusiasm.

"I am well, Papa. And you?" Elizabeth watched as her father sighed deeply and rubbed at his temples. "You can not tell me that you are well, for I know that something is amiss. Are you ill? Have you seen Mr. Jones?"

"I have no need of the apothecary," he replied brusquely, waving his hand as though he could brush her concerns away. "I am in good health; only saddened by some news I have received."
 
"What news? Is there anything I can help with?"

He sat for a moment in thought, his eyes resting on the latest news from London. When he replied, the subject was abruptly changed. "What plans do you have for this morning, Lizzy?"

"I told Jane I would visit her today. Mr. Bingley has received some samples so she can choose new wall coverings in the salon. I intended to walk to Netherfield after breakfast."

"You did not want the use of the carriage?"

"No. It is a fine morning and I am quite capable of walking."

"You may be, but I am not. I think I will visit Bingley and Jane myself today. Would you join me in the carriage, Lizzy?"

"Certainly, I will be happy to. Will anyone else be coming with us?"

"Not today. I think it better that we keep this between the two of us for the moment." he replied, with another all too brief smile.

An hour and a half later, they climbed into their small coach for the short trip to Netherfield. Mr. Bennet spent the whole three miles staring out of the window; his eyes focussed on the passing landscape. Elizabeth realised exactly what was concerning her most about her dear father; he seemed to have aged in the last se'night since the wedding. The lines on his face were more deeply etched, and his eyes were shadowed and gaunt.

Drawing her mind back from those unhappy observations, she instead looked forward to seeing Jane. Elizabeth had missed her presence at Longbourn, as she had known she would, especially the late night whispered conversations while settling down to sleep. Whilst she did not begrudge Jane her happiness, the time spent at Longbourn with only her younger sisters for company had only served to frustrate Elizabeth with all the silly things they said and did. The only thing she was truly looking forward to now was her trip to the Lakes with her Aunt and Uncle.

Elizabeth smiled as they walked through the main doorway of Netherfield Hall. The house was still grand, but had been made more human by her sister's presence. She followed Mr. Bennet into the drawing room, where Jane welcomed her father and her sister with her usual warmth, and asked them both to sit.

"I think I will stand, if you don't mind," her father replied. "I need to speak to Mr. Bingley─and to you girls actually─on a matter of some importance."

Jane looked at Elizabeth, who responded with a glance at her father, and a shrug of her shoulders as she sat. When he had requested Elizabeth’s companionship on this visit, he had not mentioned any such important matter, although she hoped it had something to do with the news he would not speak about.

A servant was sent to fetch Mr. Bingley, and he arrived soon after, with a genial welcome for his father-in-law and favourite sister. Bingley took the place next to his wife, but Mr. Bennet chose to stand by the window, waiting for them to settle.

"To what do we owe the pleasure, Mr. Bennet? Lizzy?" Bingley began, looking to his visitors.

Mr. Bennet removed a flat packet from his coat pocket and withdrew some papers. He provided no preamble, but went straight to the point. "I received this letter on the morning of your wedding, Jane; the contents of which have quite astounded me. I know not what to make of it. Under the circumstances, I thought a prompt reply might be appropriate."

He paused for a minute, looking through the pages until he found the one he wanted. "As you know, Mr. Collins was to benefit from the entail of Longbourn on my demise." The three listening to his speech did not miss the inference of his words. Elizabeth wanted to ask immediately what he meant, but was resigned to waiting until her father was prepared to continue. "This letter was written by an Attorney in Liverpool, regarding the rightful heir of Longbourn - someone who is at this very moment travelling towards Hertfordshire to take up his residence."

"Papa, this cannot be true!" responded Jane, before Elizabeth even had the chance to speak. "Who has more right to Longbourn than yourself?"

"I am certainly most shocked!" added Bingley, with feeling. "If you believe it necessary, I would be most pleased to house the entire Bennet family at Netherfield, if you find yourself evicted." Jane looked at her husband with apprehension. Elizabeth knew that, since their marriage, her sister had shielded Bingley from having to spend an excessive amount of time in Mrs Bennet's company, and she felt sure he would not be so quick to offer their house had he known the possible consequences.

Mr. Bennet looked at Elizabeth, the only one who had not yet spoken. "Perhaps, Lizzy, you would like to read the letter out to us? I confess I would like to hear everyone's thoughts on the matter."

Elizabeth took the letter offered by her father, and read it to the room:

Messrs. Smith & Allyn
Hanover Street
Liverpool

3rd June 1812

Dear Sir

I am writing in connection with the affairs of the late John James Bennet, formerly of Longbourn Heights, St. Andrews, Jamaica, eldest son of John Bennet (deceased) of Longbourn in the County of Hertfordshire.

As instructed by our client, I enclose a personal letter addressed to you from our client, and a copy of the last will and testament.

I would be grateful if you could signify your acceptance of the conditions pertaining to the request contained within the Will, by letter to this office at your earliest convenience.

Until then, I remain, Sir, your obedient servant,

 

Henry Allyn,
Attorney at Law

Elizabeth hardy waited an instant before questioning her father further. "Papa, who is John Bennet ... and what conditions are you to accept?"

"Now, Lizzy, be patient," replied her father. He removed further papers from the packet and passed them to Elizabeth. "John was my elder brother. He was designed to inherit Longbourn, while I had intended to spend a quiet life in the Church, or perhaps tutor at Oxford; that would have suited me very well, I believe. One of my uncles—also named Thomas—died fighting the French in '56, so my father actively discouraged any interest in pursuing a military career." Mr. Bennet walked away from his audience and back towards the window, staring out over the landscape.

"How many brothers did your father have, Sir?" Bingley asked with genuine interest.

"Three sons survived to be adults: John—my father─Thomas and William. William was the youngest, and was much favoured by his mother's family, and once Thomas died, that left only my father and William. As the eldest son was to inherit Longbourn, their maternal grandparents decided to name William as their heir, because they had no living sons of their own, and no entail on their property to worry them." He turned his head as he continued. "My uncle, William, took their name and styled himself William Bennet Collins to recognise the honour they had bestowed on him."

"Ah … so your cousin, Mr. Collins, is his—"

"Grandson." Mr. Bennet completed Bingley's statement. "I am sorry to say that there was little love lost between my father and the Collins family for many years. It was only with the receipt of the Reverend Collins' recently proffered 'olive branch' that we have renewed the connection."

Elizabeth remembered the papers her father had passed to her, temporarily forgotten as he had told his story. She asked whether she could read the letter from her uncle next. Mr. Bennet agreed.

Longbourn Heights
St. Andrew
Jamaica

28th January 1812

 

My Dear Brother

There comes a time where all men must know regret. Writing this missive to you in the last days of my life, I humbly request your forgiveness for not writing to you earlier. I will admit that I was selfish and thought only of myself. I could not return to the staid and uninspiring life in Hertfordshire, which I remembered so well. I beg your forgiveness for any pain that was caused by my absence.

Although living a great distance from Longbourn, I am not totally ignorant of your situation, dear Brother. A number of years ago, I instructed an attorney in Liverpool to discreetly inquire after my family in England as I was preparing to draft my will. I know you have, or at least had, five daughters and no son, and I also understand that the expectation is that Longbourn will pass to the Collins family once you are gone.

Memories of happier times at Longbourn have sustained me through many an unhappy hour during my life. I would hate to think that the estate could ever prosper out of Bennet hands, especially if that circumstance could be avoided.

Thomas, please allow me suggest a solution which would be of great benefit to both of us and bequeath to you my most precious possession—the guardianship of my only child, Nathaniel. If you would be prepared to look after him as your own, and provide the guidance he needs in his life, I am sure he will become an admirable steward of Longbourn once you join me in Our Father's grace.

Nathan is a good boy and I believe he will be of immense help to you and your family. I would also like to provide something for your daughters—shares in an amount equal to my wife's portion, which would have passed to my own daughters had God been good enough to grant me more time with my dearest Phillipa.

My wife's remaining family reside in England, and I would be most grateful if you would allow Nathan to know them. My wife's brothers have been named as joint Guardians, should you be unlucky enough to join me before he reaches his majority.

As much as I have enjoyed my life, I would not wish for my son to be as lonely as I have been. I have therefore left instructions for my agent to sell the estate here and send the proceeds to my Attorney, who will arrange for you to hold them in trust for Nathan. He will be travelling to England once he has collected his belongings and said his goodbyes. Mr. Allyn will deal with Nathan's travel plans to Hertfordshire once he has received your instructions.

I remain, dear Thomas, your affectionate brother,

John James Bennet

In the moments after Elizabeth finished reading there were no sounds to be heard in the room, save for the ticking of the mantle clock. Mr. Bennet stirred first, and moved away from the window to take a seat in the middle of the room.

"Well, there it is." Mr. Bennet sighed.

"Papa! You have a nephew!" observed Jane, in shock.

"And an heir," Bingley concurred with a smile.

"Oh, and poor Mr. Collins! Whatever will he do when he finds out that he will no longer inherit Longbourn?"

Elizabeth smiled at her sister's sympathetic nature. Only Jane could pity such an odious man. "I am more inclined to feel sorry for Charlotte. She would have made her decision to marry based on Mr. Collins's future prospects."

"Yes, yes. I have no doubt we will be hearing from him once this news reaches Lucas Lodge," Mr. Bennet sighed again.

Elizabeth read the letter through once more. "So your brother left England and travelled to the Caribbean? I am surprised that you never spoke of him. How did you not know about his son before? Did you think he had no children?"

Mr. Bennet frowned, as he said, "I never knew I had a nephew for the simple reason that I was not aware that I still had a brother. Until the day this letter arrived, I had thought him dead these past four and thirty years. In fact, when it arrived, I thought the letter to be a joke; albeit in very bad taste."

"You did not know what had happened to him?" Jane asked.

"We thought we knew his fate. The ship he was sailing in was lost with all hands on the way to America in '78. I remember the reactions of my father and sisters when the letter arrived, and I will never forget watching as my father recorded John's death in the family bible. He also had a small memorial plaque erected in the west aisle of the church." Mr. Bennet looked down at the floor, deep in thought. After a moment of silence, he said, "My father never recovered from the shock of his loss. He died five years later. It is strange to think that we mourned my brother all those years ago, and yet he was still alive. Now I know that he is finally gone, I find I am mourning his loss all over again."

"It must give you some comfort to know that his son will be returning to Longbourn," Bingley said thoughtfully.

Nodding his head, Mr. Bennet turned to his daughter. "Well, what do you think, Lizzy? Would you like to have such a cousin living with us?"

Elizabeth smiled with delight, "Yes, Papa, I believe I would." She looked down at the letter. "When will you be writing to Liverpool?"

"Well dear, now I have heard your thoughts on the matter, I would be willing to write now, if Bingley could furnish me with the materials for the task." Bingley was more than happy to assist his father-in-law, and quickly led the way to his study, where the appropriate articles could be provided.

After Jane watched them leave, she turned to her sister. "You knew nothing of this?"

"No, truly, I did not. Papa has been very quiet since your wedding day, and he has spent a lot of time alone. I thought he was ill, or missing your company, but it seems he was mourning the death of his brother—for the second time. It must be an odd thing, to lose someone twice. Little wonder he has been so withdrawn lately."

"It must have been such a shock for him. I wonder what Mama will say?"

Elizabeth grimaced at the thought. "Trust me, Jane. Whatever her opinion is on the subject, we are bound to know it sooner rather than later."

~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~

He woke to the same unrelenting sounds that had surrounded him during the previous weeks, the almost continuous creaks and groans of timber and rope fighting under immense strain. The howling wind whistled through unseen cracks in the woodwork, and the pounding of the waves against the hull returned with full force. Not for the first time since leaving home did he curse his fate; how on earth was he expected to sleep in all this noise?

He had spent almost his entire life looking out over the ocean, and wondering what it would be like to sail over the horizon. Now he knew exactly how it felt to live on a cramped ship for weeks. He smiled ruefully at the realisation that he could not wait to reach dry land.

Rising from his bunk in the tiny cabin, he swung his long legs out of their cramped position and stretched them in front of him. The young man swayed for a moment, accustoming himself to the movement of the ship. He grabbed a shirt from his chest, shrugging it over his broad shoulders and tucking it haphazardly into his crumpled breeches. As his long fingers ran through the wayward locks, teasing the dark waves into some semblance of respectability, he realised that he desperately needed a haircut. In fact, looking around at the few possessions he had been able to bring with him, he would need quite a few new things when he arrived at his destination.

Leaving his cabin, he climbed the steps, feeling the cold spray on his face as he opened the hatch onto the deck. The waves were tossing and dancing; the sheets of white spindrift thrown over the deck dazzled in the sunlight.

The young man staggered over to his usual vantage point near the prow, where he gazed intently ahead, towards his destination. He wondered, not for the first time, what England would be like. His father had told him so many stories, but those that spoke of his home and his family were the ones he had remembered most fondly.

Would they want to see him? Would they be prepared to take a stranger into their home? Although he shared their name, he knew very little about them, and they knew next to nothing about him. For some reason his father had wanted it that way. He knew there was somewhere else he could go if necessary, but he doubted it would be quite the same.

One of the crew, an old man who often spoke with him while about his tasks, came to his side. "We made good time; should sight Ireland in three days. We'll be tyin' up at the docks afore ye know it." The sailor smiled, showing a toothless grin.

"Thank you. That is good to know."

"You'll have family waitin' at Liverpool then?"

He knew the old salt had been looking out for him during the voyage, ever since he had admitted to being an orphan. "No, not in Liverpool. I will be meeting my father's attorney in the city. He should hopefully have heard from my Uncle by then."

"So you'll be livin' with kin in the country?"

Nathan Bennet smiled. "Yes, I hope so. In Hertfordshire."

~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~

Family tree representing the Bennet family in June 1812

~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~

Chapter Twenty-two.

"Nephew? But you have no nephew, Mr. Bennet! You delight in vexing me so." Mrs Bennet squirmed uncomfortably in her chair, wrapping her shawl tightly around her shoulders. "If you had a nephew, Mr. Collins would not be able to throw us out into the hedgerows when you are gone."

"My dear, I assure you, I am not attempting to tax you with a hypothetical question." Mr. Bennet's voice was strained as he attempted to clarify the situation to his wife once again. "Although I was not aware of his existence prior to Jane's wedding day, I do have a nephew. He is the son of my brother, John, and he finds himself in need of a home."

"What brother? I thought your brother was dead?"

As Mr. Bennet frowned deeply, Elizabeth tried to explain the circumstances as best she could to someone with her mother's mean understanding.

"Ah, so although you told me he was dead, your brother was actually alive; but now he is truly dead. Do I have the right of it?"

Shaking his head, sadly, Mr. Bennet sighed. "Yes, dear. I hope you do."

The drawing room at Longbourn was filled with the low murmur of voices, as the occupants discussed this piece of news between themselves. As it was no surprise to Elizabeth, she occupied herself by watching her mother and sisters from her vantage point in the corner. Mrs Bennet was fanning herself furiously, momentarily silenced by the surprise of her husband's disclosure. Mr. and Mrs Bingley were in earnest conversation with Mary, while Kitty and Lydia were whispering to one another on the end of the settee. For the sake of keeping the news to themselves for as long as it was possible within such a small parish, Mrs Phillips had not been invited to partake of their joy.

Clearing his throat, Mr. Bennet spoke again. "Young master Bennet will live with us for as long as he chooses to do so. Once I am dead, he will will be fully responsible for this estate, and it will be in his power to throw you out on the street, should he so wish. I suggest you treat him with the deference and respect he deserves when he arrives."

"Does this mean that the horrid entail is broken?" Mrs Bennet wore a hopeful expression, as she stared suspiciously at her husband.

"Not at all; it is still very much in force. Legally, young Nathaniel should hold this Manor now - as the son of the eldest son. However, my brother, who, for whatever reason, did not or could not return to claim the estate when our father died, has suggested that he learn the management of the property from me, while he is able, with a mind to take control once I am gone. I understand from his letter that he is more than happy with that arrangement. I also got the impression that he was looking forward to meeting you, my dear." 

"Meeting me? And when will that be?" she asked, jumping from her chair and moving towards the door. "I need to instruct Hill to prepare Jane's old room for him."

"He wrote to tell me that he has arrived safely in England and will be with us in three days."

Mrs Bennet was momentarily silenced again, before she threw up her hands. "Three days! Oh my. There is so much to do. I must speak to Hill directly!" she cried as she bustled out of the room. Her voice could be heard down the corridor as she shouted for the housekeeper.

"Papa? May I ask a question?"

Mr. Bennet was surprised by the quiet voice from the corner of the room. "Yes, Kitty. What is it?"

"Our new cousin; How old is he?"

"I do not know his age, except that he has not yet reached his majority. Why?"

Lydia interrupted her sister. "Surely you must be thinking of him marrying one of us?"

Mr. Bennet cringed. "I must think nothing of the sort, Lydia. I leave that sort of thing to your Mother."

"Well, if he is not yet one and twenty, then he will surely be too young to be of interest to Lizzy," Kitty reasoned. "Is he handsome?"

"How on earth would I know that? I have never met him before in my whole life. What does it matter to me how he looks? Is that all you silly girls can think of?"

"Not at all, Papa," Lydia said. "Is he rich?"

Mr. Bennet groaned. "Is not his inheritance of Longbourn enough for you, Lydia?"

"I'm sure it will be, but I do think his father could have left him a little something. Lord! Just imagine if our Uncle owned a ship or grew sugar on a plantation. Our new cousin could be almost as rich as Bingley!"

At this exclamation, Mr. Bingley looked up from where he was talking with Jane and Mary at the other side of the room. Having learnt to ignore Lydia's embarrassing comments, he said, "Well, there was mention in the letters of an estate to sell, was there not? It seems he will be bringing some funds with him, at least."

Mr. Bennet sighed and rolled his eyes as Lydia squealed with delight and clapped her hands, before she and Kitty huddled in the corner, conspiring between themselves over his fate.

"I do think it hard that the poor boy cannot come to an estate, which he has legally inherited, without raising all this speculation," Jane said. "Although I am pleased he is to arrive before we leave for Scarborough. I am very much looking forward to meeting him." She watched as Lydia and Kitty abruptly ceased their whispering and ran out of the room.

Mr. Bennet shook his head and shrugged. "I begin to be sorry that he comes at all. I doubt that the poor lad knows what he is getting into. Let us hope he is no more than twelve years old, and more than usually ugly—or at least plain, for his sake—or he will get no peace at all." His thoughts on that subject were interrupted as his wife returned to the room.

"Is it true? Lydia now tells me that your nephew has inherited a great estate from his father and is very rich."

Mr. Bennet huffed at his wife's silliness. "Well, my dear, it is true that he has inherited his father's property, which has in all probability been sold by now. I doubt that he will be as rich as you would want him to be. Do not forget, Mrs Bennet, my brother left here with nothing."

"Yes," she smiled, waggling her finger at him. "But who knows what he has been up to in the meantime. I must speak to the cook about getting some fish for dinner. We must celebrate his arrival!" Rubbing her hands with a satisfied smile, she left the room.

"Lizzy." Her father spoke in a low voice. She looked up as he called, and moved across the room to be closer to him. "I trust you will join with me in shielding young Master Bennet from the worst excesses of your Mother."

"I will try my best," Elizabeth offered.

"Lord only knows what she will do when she learns of the money your Uncle left for your dowries."

Elizabeth looked at her father, who was now standing in front of the mantelpiece wearing a scowl. "You are not going to tell Mama about our inheritance?"

"No, I certainly will not. I think it best that she deals with one thing at a time. I will tell her, and the other girls, when it is needful, and not before. There will be no living with her when she hears of it, but I would like some peace before that happens."

"As you wish, Papa," Elizabeth shrugged. "She will certainly not hear of it from me."

~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~

Nathan Bennet leaned back into the hard, lumpy seat of the hack, and occupied himself observing the sights and sounds of the English countryside. This journey from London to Longbourn had given him the opportunity to see the true landscape of the country for the first time since his ship had docked, ten days earlier, and he was fascinated by it.

Arriving in Liverpool had been a great shock for him. He had always thought Kingston to be a large place, but it paled into insignificance when compared to the seething mass of humanity he encountered after leaving the docks. He had never seen so many buildings crowded so close together, or built so tall, and could not imagine that he had even met the number of people he saw in the streets during the course of his whole life.

He rubbed at the sore spot on his back, caused by a nasty jolt during his journey in the overnight mail coach to London. He had left the Saracen's Head Inn on Dale Street two nights earlier and slept fitfully until they had arrived in the capital early the following morning. Apart from the hole in the road that they had encountered—somewhere just outside Litchfield as far as he understood—the journey had been uneventful, if somewhat uncomfortable. He would have infinitely preferred to buy a good horse and ride directly to Longbourn, but apart from having to carry his trunk, he had been strongly advised against travelling alone in that manner by his attorney, Mr. Allyn.

As he passed fields of wheat and barley, or meadows filled with grazing cattle and sheep, he compared it with the acres of sugar cane that had been grown on his father's estate. The tall fibrous canes grew higher than a man, and were his enduring memory of home—or rather, his old home, for he doubted he would ever return to see it again. Gazing peacefully over the undulating hills and flat plains of the Hertfordshire countryside, he could not believe it was so different. His father had described the area well, even after his prolonged absence from the place of his birth. It was probable that his description of Longbourn would turn out to be just as accurate.

Less than an hour later, the small carriage pulled off the lane and through the gates, towards his new home. Nathan was delighted with the house, which he had been dreaming of since he last spoke to his father. He now considered Longbourn, and the people who lived there, to be his responsibility. It would be his home. His father had expressed on him very clearly that he had to learn all he could from his Uncle, because there would be no way of knowing just how long it would be before the burden of the estate would fall to him. It was his life now, his future, and he would do whatever necessary to ensure it would remain for future generations of Bennets.

From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of movement in one of the windows and wondered whether they were waiting for him inside. His question was answered as the door opened before he had time to reach for the bell.

The woman smiled at him as she bobbed a curtsey.

"I have come to see Mr. Bennet," he announced, a little self-consciously.

"Yes, sir. He is expecting you," she replied, and indicated that he should follow her. As they walked into the hallway, she spoke briefly with a male servant, instructing the man to fetch his trunk from the carriage. Nathan thought he heard giggling from behind one of the closed doors, but he was shown towards another, where the woman knocked and waited. A voice on the other side spoke a clear assent, and the door was slowly opened to allow him admittance.

Stepping over the threshold, he saw that he was in a book-lined study. The servant introduced him to the only occupant of the room, before she returned to the door and pulled it closed behind her. The man who stood to greet him reminded him vaguely of his father; Nathan could see a similarity around the eyes and the jaw, but his hair was longer than he ever remembered his father's to be, and those eyes held a spark of something he had not seen in John Bennet's eyes for a very long time.

As he was assessing the man in front of him, he was in turn being scrutinised. The older man had stared silently at him from the moment he walked through the door. "Mr. Bennet?"

The older man cleared his throat. "Sit down, please. I was not expecting ..."

"Did you not receive my letter, sir?"

"Yes, yes. The letter arrived safely. I just did not think ... you would look so much like your father." Mr. Bennet took a moment to look him over again, frowning with concentration. "Although it could be my memory, playing tricks with me, your hair colour; the shape of your eyes; the set of your mouth. It is almost as though my brother has returned just as he left." He paused, wiping his face with his hand. "You will have to excuse my manners; I am not used to such shocks at my age. How was your voyage?"

"Not bad at all, sir. The ship made good time."

"And the Attorney? Has he dealt with everything for you?"

"Yes. He has been most helpful. He even took the time to suggest some ventures I might consider investing in, once I come of age."

"Really? That is very gracious of him, I am sure."

From the tone of his voice, and the barely concealed smile, Nathan could tell that Mr. Bennet appeared to doubt the sincerity of the advice he had been given. He grinned at his uncle. "Yes it was, although I did suspect that one of the businesses he suggested belonged to his brother-in-law."

At that, Mr. Bennet laughed. "If you are smart enough to spot that, young man, then I have no concerns that you will be easily swindled." He sat back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "My brother neglected to tell me your age. How old are you?"

"I had my nineteenth birthday just a few weeks ago, onboard ship."

The old man shook his head. He seemed to be disappointed about something. "You are aware, of course, that I have four daughters at home. I doubt you would find sillier ones in the whole county. I am sorry to say that you may have to put up with some initial ... curiosity from them. You should have little trouble from Elizabeth and Mary, but I cannot vouch for anything said by my youngest girls."

"I am very much looking forward to meeting my aunt and cousins. It will make a pleasant change to have such a family. At home, there was only my father and me."

"Your father ... yes." His uncle sat silent for a moment. "Once you are settled in, perhaps we should have a talk about your father. There are things about his life I would wish to know; like why he chose not to return or why he did not send a letter to say he was well." After another thoughtful pause, which Nathan chose not to interrupt, Mr. Bennet offered him a drink from a selection of bottles. When Nathan declined, his uncle said, "You may regret not taking some fortification once you have met your Aunt. She can get a little overexcited at times, and meeting her long lost nephew has been her only topic of conversation these last three days. Are you sure you will not change your mind?"

"I will bow to your suggestion, Uncle." Nathan was pleased to see a hint of satisfaction on Mr. Bennet's face. Whether from having his offer accepted, or just being called 'uncle' for the first time, he had no idea. Once the glasses had been filled, Mr. Bennet proposed a toast, "To John Bennet; always remembered." They raised their glasses for a few seconds before taking a sip of the aged port.

When the introductions could not be put off any longer, Mr. Bennet ushered Nathan across the hall. Standing outside the door the two men grinned at each other as they heard the unceasing chatter of feminine voices. Mr. Bennet put his finger to his lips, before opening the door slowly. Standing behind his uncle, Nathan could hear what sounded like a scrabble for chairs, which continued for a bare moment before complete silence descended on the room. Walking through the door he was greeted by the curious stares of five pairs of eyes, as four young ladies and their mother regarded him eagerly.

"Mrs Bennet. Our visitor has expressed a wish to become acquainted with you." Mr. Bennet's tone suggested that the introduction was against his better judgement. "I am pleased to be able to present your nephew, Nathaniel Bennet." His uncle then stood back to allow his wife and daughters the opportunity to get to know him.

"Oh! My dear boy! I am so pleased to finally meet you," Mrs Bennet gushed with enthusiasm. Nathan smiled as he bowed to his aunt. Mrs Bennet reminded him of the wife of one of their near neighbours at home. Perhaps it was something about the frills on the cap she wore which had brought back that memory, or perhaps it was the way her voice had a slight edge to it.

Mrs Bennet then turned to her nearest daughter. "This is Elizabeth. She is my second eldest, my eldest daughter Jane being recently married. You will meet Mr. and Mrs Bingley tonight at dinner."

Nathan watched as the young lady called Elizabeth curtseyed before taking a step or two back to watch the remaining proceedings with a twinkle in her eyes. He understood that she saw the humour in her mother's behaviour in a similar way to his uncle.

"...and this is Mary. Kitty and Lydia, my youngest, are over here."

All the daughters were dark haired; in fact, in initial observation there was little to tell them apart, as is sometimes the case with sisters. The eldest smiled pleasantly, while the second young lady he was introduced to had her hair pulled back into a rather severe style. The last two seemed joined at the hip, as they stood close to each other, giggling and whispering together. He hoped that he would be able to remember all their names by the end of the evening.

"You must be exhausted with all that travelling. How long did it take you to travel from Liverpool?"

"I journeyed from London this morning, Mrs Bennet—"

She interrupted him immediately, holding up her hands. "Please, my dear. This is your home now; I beg you will call me Aunt Bennet."

"Certainly, Aunt Bennet."

His aunt offered him a seat between two of the daughters, before she reclaimed her own chair. "Well, you are rather tall, are you not? And you have inherited the Bennet colouring, of course. In fact, apart from your height, you remind me a little of my dear Mr. Bennet when he was a younger man. Pray, sir, how old are you?"

He stole a quick glance at his uncle, who was doing a poor job of hiding his mirth. "I am recently turned nineteen, ma'am."

"So young? You appear much older than that. Nineteen? Well, that is the same age as Mary, and only a year above Kitty here. You had no brothers or sisters of your own?"

"I am afraid not. My mother died before my first birthday."

"Oh, you poor thing! You have not had a mother all these years?"

Nathan shook his head. "No. My father chose not to remarry."  

"Well, my dear boy, you must think of us as your family now. It is just wonderful to have another man about the place. When Mr. Bennet told us you were to come to Longbourn I was completely speechless!"

After a further half hour of conversation with his aunt, Nathan wondered whether Mrs Bennet might ever run out of words to tell him how happy she was at his arrival. Although he found her attentions a little overbearing, it was not an unpleasant experience to be so warmly welcomed. His aunt even showed him up to his room personally, and pointed out the views from the large windows before she left him alone with his thoughts.

Someone had opened his trunk and his clothes had already been put away. The remaining items had been placed carefully on the bed. He picked up a framed pencil drawing of a large property standing on a hillside, surrounded by lush tropical greenery. That house had been his home for his whole life, and now it belonged to a London Sugar Merchant.

The other items laid on the counterpane included a small piece of rock with the imprint of a shell, which he had found on the beach; a carved wooden box; an exquisite miniature of a young woman with auburn hair and brown eyes, and an old book, bound in black leather. There was no title on the spine and the front cover was damaged around the edges, but, out of everything he had carried away, the book was his most treasured possession.

Later that evening, further introductions were made upon Mr. and Mrs Bingley's arrival at Longbourn. Nathan had been surprised by the fair colouring and sweet disposition of his eldest cousin, while Mr. Bingley exclaimed how pleased he was to make his acquaintance and encouraged him to visit Netherfield as soon as it was convenient.

After the dinner Mrs Bennet had arranged in his honour, and an evening spent with his new family, Nathan considered that, of his unmarried cousins, Miss Elizabeth was probably the most beautiful, with a playful personality, while he remembered Miss Mary for favouring them with a memorable turn on the piano, which Mr. Bennet had thanked her for most insincerely. The two younger girls, who laughed too loud and whispered behind their hands, were apparently called Lydia and Kitty, although by the end of the night he would have been hard pressed to say which was which.

It was late in the evening, and Mr. Bennet looked up sharply when Nathan returned to his study.

"Uncle Bennet? I thought you might like to see this. I brought it from home." He held the book out to his uncle, who accepted it with a questioning glance. "It is my father's journal. It may help to answer some of the questions you may have about his life."

Mr. Bennet held it gently in his hands, like the most delicate piece of china. He lifted the cover before gingerly turning the first few pages until he came to the first entry. "This first page is dated almost five years after he left England!"

"Yes, I know. He did reminisce about his earlier years, but not until near the end."

"Thank you, Nathaniel. Thank you for letting me look at this."

"You are more than welcome, Uncle. I know he wanted you to see it. If you will excuse me, I will leave you to read."

~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~

Chapter Twenty-three.

Elizabeth was still feeling tired as she woke from a disturbed night's sleep. However, the fragments of the dream, which she tenuously held onto, shed little light on her discomfort. Climbing out of bed, she sighed as she peered through the rain-streaked window. This summer shower would no doubt blow over soon, but it would prevent her from taking a walk, or sitting out in the garden this morning.

Longbourn was shrouded in silence as she went downstairs, intending to sit in her favourite chair by the drawing room window. The hours before breakfast—when most of the household were still in bed—were special to her. She appreciated the stillness and solitude, which enabled her to read, write or sew without the constant interruptions of her family.

However, on entering the room, Elizabeth was surprised to find Nathaniel lounging in her favourite chair, watching the rain drops as they skipped down the glass. He was startled when she entered the room, but quickly stood to acknowledge her with a polite bow. "Good morning, Cousin Elizabeth."

"Good morning. Am I disturbing you? I did not expect to find anyone in here at this time. Normally, only my father and I are about the house so early."

He shrugged before returning to his seat. "I usually rise with the sun. This morning I was woken by the rain instead."

Elizabeth picked up her embroidery hoop from the table and took the seat opposite. "Is it strange for you to see rain? I thought that the weather in the Caribbean islands is always warm."

"Yes, it is warm. My father used to say it was like the warmest of English summers all year round, but we did also have rain. The rainy seasons in October and November, or in May and June, can bring a heavy rainfall, and it can continue for days; sometimes with flooding." He looked back towards the window, his brow creased in thought. "I never minded the rain; it was always good for the crops."

"I am surprised you are not exhausted after all the calls you made with Mama yesterday."

Returning his attention to Elizabeth, Nathan grinned as he recalled the previous day. "After spending all those weeks on board the ship, confined in a limited space, I find that I appreciate being out and about. At home, I would spend much of my day on horseback, so travelling by carriage as I was exhibited around the parish was not really tiring."

Elizabeth smiled at his choice of word. "Exhibited? Yes, I believe Mama is prodigiously proud of her new nephew. Who did you visit yesterday?"

"Who did we not? I must have met the whole of Meryton yesterday. First, Aunt Bennet called on Mr. and Mrs Howard at Canwell House. I particularly enjoyed their company, because their younger son was stationed in Kingston for a while, so they were very interested in hearing about my life in Jamaica. Then we went to see Mr. Purvis and his sister at Purvis Lodge."

"And how does poor Miss Purvis?"

"From their conversation I gather she is little changed. She is carried downstairs by the footman every morning, and sits by the window watching the birds. Then we saw Sir William and Lady Lucas, and their family. Your mother seemed keen to discuss some mutual relatives; a Mr. and Mrs Collins is it?"

"Yes, Mr. Collins is our cousin and his wife was formerly Charlotte Lucas. Mr. Collins would have inherited Longbourn had you not returned. Mama was convinced that, had anything happened to papa, Mr. Collins would have thrown us out into the hedgerows. I can easily imagine how she was crowing over your return to Lady Lucas, no doubt making sure that she clearly understood the change in situation in no uncertain terms."

"Ah, that would explain why I sensed that they did not seem particularly happy to see me."

"I would not be at all surprised." Elizabeth knotted her embroidery thread, before choosing another colour. "The Lucas's second son, John, is only one year older than you. Did you have the opportunity to meet him?"

"Unfortunately not, but I hope to make his acquaintance soon. We received an invitation to dine at Lucas Lodge next week."

"I assume that was not the extent of your visits. Did Mama take you to call on Mrs Long while you were out?"

"Oh yes!" he laughed. "Aunt Bennet was more than happy to introduce me to her friend, but certainly less pleased by my introduction to her nieces."

"I can well imagine that! How did you find the girls?"

"I had very little opportunity to make a judgment, as we did not stay above ten minutes. They both seemed rather quiet. Afterwards we visited Admiral and Mrs Harrington, and their family. The two eldest daughters seemed a little disappointed that I was not in uniform. They reminded me a little of your younger sisters. My Aunt also introduced me to Miss Watson."

"Miss Watson? And what did that venerable lady have to say?"

"The same as everyone else. She was very pleased to make my acquaintance, and looked forward to introducing me to her nieces. I had not expected to be in such great demand. I felt a little like a beast going to market." He smiled as he heard Elizabeth's tinkling laugh. "We had barely made ourselves comfortable before leaving to see Mr. and Mrs King, and their daughter, Mary. Anyone who we did not call on before dinner must have been at your Aunt Phillips' house yesterday evening."

"And what plans have you for today?"

"I hope to visit Netherfield. During our conversation on Monday, Mr. Bingley suggested a ride around his estate and offered to lend me a mount ... assuming the rain eases, of course," he replied, with a hopeful glance towards the window.

"If that is the case, and with your leave, I will go with you. I can then keep Jane company while you and Mr. Bingley are riding. My sister will be travelling to Scarborough next weekend, and I would like to spend some time with her before she leaves."

"You are very close to Mrs Bingley?" Nathan asked with a genuine expression of interest.

"Yes, Jane is the dearest of my sisters. I miss her very much, although I am happy that she has been so fortunate in her marriage."

Nathan grinned. "I am afraid I make a very poor substitute."

Elizabeth laughed. "Yes, you do, but I dare say you will do better than Lydia," she teased.

A few hours later, Elizabeth and Nathan took the carriage to Netherfield Park. As the pair travelled along the lane to Meryton, her cousin looked thoughtful. "Cousin Elizabeth, do you not ride?"

"No, I do not! Horses are wretched things."

Her cousin laughed. "And what did they do to you, that you should have such a poor opinion of them?"

"As a child learning to ride, I was thrown to the ground and I broke my arm. Fortunately, it was a clean break and it healed well, but since then I prefer to trust my feet to take me where I want to go. I derive great pleasure from walking."

"I do not mind walking, but I much prefer the freedom of a horse to go where I will. I used to enjoy taking my horse down to the beach where we would ride along the sand, galloping through the waves as they lapped the shore."

"That certainly sounds exciting. I have never been to the sea-side; Mama has always longed to go, but Papa would not take us."

"Do any of your sisters ride at all?"

"Mary does not, but Kitty and Lydia know how to ride, although neither has been on a horse for a while. As you have seen, we have the carriage horses, but they are usually needed to work on the farm as well. Keeping a horse just for riding is a luxury we can not afford."

Nathan nodded his head and he appeared to be thinking about her statement as the carriage drove through the gates of Netherfield.

Both Jane and Mr. Bingley, who, as another recent addition to the family, probably knew how Nathan felt better than anyone, enthusiastically welcomed their arrival at Netherfield. Elizabeth was pleased to see her brother in law taking the time to get to know the young man, whose life had been turned upside down following the death of his father.

The two men spoke for over an hour about horses and hounds. Nathan admitted that he had reluctantly left his own dog at home, because its advanced age made it doubtful that he could sustain the crossing to England.

"I had heard that one of Mr. Goulding's pointers has had a fine litter," Bingley said. "Perhaps we can have a ride over to Haye Park one day this week to look them over?"

"I would certainly be interested in seeing them. I do miss the companionship of a dog, although I am also in great need of a horse. Longbourn has nothing that suits my needs. Can you recommend anywhere with some decent stock?"

"Well, for horses we should see my neighbour, Mr. Pickard at Hillfield. His son is very knowledgeable about breeding horses, and he has extensive stables. However, until you have found one which suits you, you are more than welcome to borrow one of mine." Turning to his wife, Mr. Bingley explained to Jane and Elizabeth that he was taking Nathan to see the horses, and the two men left.

Once they were alone, Jane called for tea before turning to her sister with a smile.

"I am so pleased you could come. I have missed our conversations during these last three weeks."

"And I too, Jane, but you have seen me. I must have visited Netherfield with Mama at least six or seven times since your wedding day."

"Yes ... and Mama has been here more often still," Jane admitted reflectively. "I meant that I have not had much opportunity to speak to you alone. I will admit I am quite grateful to Nathan for his arrival. His presence has given Mama something else to fix on."

Elizabeth laughed. "Nathan certainly is the object of all her attentions at the moment. These last two days she has hardly spoken of anything else."

"And how is our young cousin settling in, Lizzy?"

"Better than I had hoped. Papa seems really taken with him. They spent most of yesterday morning together, either out around the farm or in the library. Then, Mama took him around the parish in the afternoon, and introduced him most magnificently, and with such a proprietary air anyone would think he was her own flesh and blood."

"You can hardly blame her; he is so delightful and rather charming."

"Something which he may well come to regret."

"How so?"

"Because Lydia and Kitty have almost come to blows over their cousin already, and have constantly striven to gain his attention since his arrival."

"The poor thing! And what does Nathan think of Kitty and Lydia?"

"He hardly knows what to make of them. Last night he called Kitty 'Lydia', which was not well received by Kitty at all. I do not think he can yet tell them apart."

"The novelty of having a new cousin will soon wear off. For our part, I know that Bingley finds him most amiable, and is optimistic of a growing friendship between them. I think he may come to see him like a younger brother. He was very impressed by Nathan's experience with horses."

"I know that Nathan was very much looking forward to his ride today. He seems quite desolate without a horse of his own."

"I am sure that Bingley will have something to cheer him," Jane replied with a serene smile.

Once the tea had arrived, and Jane had served them both, she moved the conversation to her visit to Scarborough the following weekend. Jane had heard nothing but good things about Bingley's aunt, Mrs. Harrison, and she implored Elizabeth to put off her trip to the lakes with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner.

"As much as I would love to join you, I have been looking forward to visiting Kendal for months. I am sure I will have another opportunity to see Scarborough. If Bingley's aunt is as amiable as you say, you will most likely see her again. You are going to have a wonderful time, Jane."

"Oh, I do hope so. I dearly want Bingley's aunt to like me. Caroline did mention that she can be a little temperamental on occasions."

"Perhaps she is with Caroline, but I am sure you will find her most amiable."

A movement outside suddenly captured Jane's attention and she moved to the window to get a better view. "Look, Lizzy!"

Elizabeth joined her sister in time to see Bingley and Nathaniel on horseback, their long coats billowing out behind them as they raced across the park. Both men appeared to be enjoying themselves immensely.

"There, do you see?" Jane asked, turning to her sister. "That will do them both good. I have no doubt at all that Bingley will lend our cousin a horse while we are away."

"I am sure he will," Lizzy smiled. "But the question is, will Nathan want to give it back?"

~~*~~

The time fixed for her northern tour should have been fast approaching, but she had received a letter from Mrs Gardiner, which had both delayed its commencement and curtailed its extent. In it, her aunt explained that Mr. Gardiner had been prevented by his business from setting out until a fortnight later, and must be in London again within a month. Therefore, she was sorry to say that they were obliged to give up the Lakes, and substitute a more contracted tour, which would go no farther northward than Derbyshire. When she read this, Elizabeth recalled Mr. Darcy's offer of receiving them at his home, and the possibility of meeting Georgiana again so soon after Jane's wedding had gone a long way to dispel the disappointment she felt on missing the Lakes. However, she was in two minds whether to put the proposal to her Aunt and Uncle.

Meanwhile, another letter had arrived this very morning for her perusal. Elizabeth had been waiting almost a week for news from Scarborough, and she was not to be disappointed as, on opening out the pages, she saw that there were two sheets filled with Jane's neat hand. She settled herself to read the letter through, noting the obvious happiness of the writer, both in her company and her location.

Bingley's aunt, Mrs Dorothy Harrison, was the widow of a retired ship owner, whose vessels had imported goods from various ports across the German Ocean. Her house, which Jane described as well proportioned and comfortable, was located in the village of Falsgrave, situated just over a mile outside the spa town of Scarborough.

Her sister obviously enjoyed her visits into Scarborough very much, and many lines were taken up with her walks along the south sands with Bingley, and her descriptions of the shops around Newborough Street and Merchant's Row. She wrote of an evening spent at the Theatre Royal, and the summer dance they attended at the Town Hall, where Bingley had only reluctantly allowed her to dance with other family members.

Jane also wrote of the Spaw, where the waters were said to have medicinal qualities. Mrs Harrison had quietly suggested that they could assist with the conception of a child, and even offered to pay the seven shillings subscription for her. Although Jane had no concerns about conceiving a child—they had been married barely more than a month after all—she wrote of being unwilling to upset one of Bingley's relations so early in her marriage, and had agreed to visit the 'Spaw House' later in the week.

Turning to the second page, Elizabeth had to smile, as she read:

... Mrs Harrison appears to be a most popular visitor to the Assembly, despite her advancing years. I must have been introduced to almost everyone in the room! She was quite interested to hear about you, Lizzy, and seemed disappointed that you were unable to join Bingley and me for our visit. She mentioned the names of a number of gentlemen whom she would have been happy to acquaint you with. To be honest, she does seem to revel her role as a matchmaker, although I will admit that the ladies and gentlemen who benefited from what you might call her 'interference' that evening did not seem wholly unhappy with their situation.

I asked my dear Bingley why Caroline was still unmarried when her Aunt seemed so adept at finding husbands for her acquaintance, but he told me that even someone as talented as Mrs Harrison has to have some failures!

I have been introduced to one gentleman during my stay who I do think you would have appreciated. Bingley's cousin, Mr. James Harrison, does have a very clever mind and a gentle, but incisive, wit and during our conversation together he reminded me of you in a number of ways. He is unmarried, despite his mother's very determined attempts, and quite pleasing to look on - my own dear husband not withstanding of course! Bingley has invited him to Netherfield for the shooting in September, so perhaps you may have a chance to meet him after all.

"Oh, Jane!" Elizabeth whispered to herself, with a smile. "Not you too! Mama is bad enough!"

I suppose it is fortunate that Mama did not entreat me to bring Lydia or Kitty, for the remains of the Castle are currently in use as a Barracks for a battalion of Regulars, and red coats are to be seen on every street. The officers are plentiful at dances and evening parties. However, I am sure that Mrs Harrison's talents would be wasted on Lydia, for she would need no assistance in finding dance partners!

Elizabeth giggled as she imagined how Jane and Bingley would have struggled to chaperone their younger sisters in a town with so many officers. Continuing to read, she was distracted by the sounds of hoof beats and the clatter of harness on the lane. Peering through the overhanging branches, she caught a flash of colour and movement through the corner of her eye and realised that a carriage had entered the sweep, and was heading for the house.

Moving out from under her sheltered spot, she could see it clearly now. At first, she thought it might be Mr. Darcy's carriage, but on second look, she could see it was not. Although it was just as large as the one that had brought her home from town, the driver's livery was blue, rather than the green she remembered, and the body of the coach, which at first had appeared black, was now clearly a very dark blue.

Elizabeth walked quickly towards the house, curious to see who should be visiting her father in such a grand conveyance. By the time she reached the door, the occupant was already inside the house, and the horses were being led around to the stable yard to be cared for. That suggested, at least, that the visitor had no plans to leave immediately.   

As she entered the house, she came across Mrs Hill leaving her father's library. Before the door closed, Elizabeth heard her father, and another male voice she did not recognise. "Mrs Hill. Who is with my father?"

"A gentleman for the Master, Miss Bennet. Excuse me, Miss. I have to take a message to John. He is to fetch Mr. Nathanial from Hillfield." So saying, she left the house, walking in the direction of the stables.

With many questions going through her mind, Elizabeth returned to the garden, and her perusal of Jane's letter, although she could not bring her full attention to bear on the task. Sometime later, she watched as her cousin returned to the house.

Slowing his horse and reining him in near where she was sitting, Nathan called out to her and waved. "Lizzy! What are you doing out here? I understood we had visitors?"

She stood up, but would not move any closer to him while he was still atop his horse. "I know that Papa has a visitor, and that you are wanted in the library, but I do not know who awaits you."

"Neither do I," he shrugged. Swinging his leg over the horse's back, he jumped to the ground, kicking up dust from the dry earth. As he brought the reins forward, he smiled innocently as he said, "would you walk him to the stables for me, Lizzy?"

Her eyebrows raised, she looked at her cousin with a mock frown. "I will not dignify your request with a reply! You only do it to tease me."

He returned a cheerful grin. "I have never known anyone distrust horses like you, Lizzy. I promise I will get you riding again, if it is the last thing I do." Laughing at her grimace, he strode in the direction of the house.

She watched from a distance as he met John at the door and relieved himself of his horse. Brushing some of the dust from his coat, he stepped into the house to join his uncle in the library. Elizabeth was intrigued as to the identity of the visitor, but she resigned herself to waiting. She was sure to find out soon enough.

~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~

Chapter twenty-four.

Mr. Bennet watched the gentleman who sat across from him carefully. He had no doubt that the man was who he claimed to be, even before the letter of introduction had been offered, and read. He knew, by his self-assured manner and way of speaking, that he was used to having control over every aspect of his life.

While they waited for his nephew to arrive, they bandied idle chatter; the sort of glib nonsense he would usually make a point of avoiding. The man in front of him was well dressed, for certain. The cut of his fine black coat and trousers suggested an expensive London tailor, and his neck-cloth was intricately tied, no doubt exhibiting one of the latest fashions. Mr. Bennet guessed that he was somewhere between his third and fourth decade; in fact his youthful looks suggested no more than thirty-five. The visitor had already explained that he would be returning to town the same day, as his wife was carrying their third child and did not like him to stay away from home for too long.

After a brief knock, the door opened and Nathan strode into the room, his riding gloves in his hands. Since he had settled at Longbourn, the young lad had been out, riding through the parish or visiting nearby families, almost every day, although he always found time to spend an hour or two with his uncle, discussing the estate accounts or problems with the livestock. "Ah, Nathaniel, my boy. I am pleased you could join us. There is someone here who has come today to make your acquaintance." Mr. Bennet watched the boy closely as he looked warily at the visitor before bowing politely. Turning to the visitor now standing to his left, he said, "May I present your nephew, Nathaniel Bennet."

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you after all these years. Mr. Bennet has been telling me what he knows of your life in the Caribbean, but I will admit I would love to hear more."

Mr. Bennet looked at his nephew's questioning expression. "This is your mother's brother, your Uncle ... Lord Rempstone."

He watched Nathan's expression clear, replaced by a genuine smile. "A pleasure to meet you, sir," he responded formally, before they both took a seat.

Thomas Bennet had expected his nephew to be stunned or shocked by his revelation, so his impassive response was unexpected. "Forgive me, Nathan, but you do not appear to be quite as surprised about your Uncle as I was when he arrived here earlier."

"Well, father did mention odd bits and pieces about my mother's family." He turned to Lord Rempstone, as he explained. "He told me once that I was named after my maternal grandfather, although he never really liked to talk about mother very much. It always made him sad, you understand. Because of that, I knew not to question him closely about it." Returning his attention to Mr. Bennet, he said, "I heard more from my old nurse. She told me some stories from when my mother was alive. The way she explained things was not always clear, but I understood enough."

"Well, young man, there are a lot of your mother's people who are looking forward to meeting you, not least of all your grandmother," Lord Rempstone said.

Nathan sat, open mouthed, before he managed to whisper, "Grandmother?" The visitor nodded his head, smiling broadly at his reaction.

"Of course you must go and see your grandmother." Turning to Lord Rempstone, Mr. Bennet enquired about the lady's health.

"She is quite hearty, and well able to keep up with some members of the younger generation. She is currently staying with my wife and family at our house in Town." He brushed an imaginary speck from his fine coat. "My mother has sent me to invite you to visit with her."

"London?" Nathan was surprised by the offer. He turned excitedly to Mr. Bennet. "May I go, Uncle?"

"I certainly can have no objection to you going." Although Nathan had been at Longbourn only a few weeks, he knew that his daughters and the servants alike would sorely miss his young nephew. If only he knew of a way to break the news to his wife. Since his arrival, Mrs Bennet had been more content and her nerves less prone to excitement than at any time he had known in the previous ten years or more. She treated Nathan like the son she never had, and he knew she would be distraught at his leaving for town so soon after his arrival. No, he would get no peace from this news.

After arranging to receive his nephew the following week at their Grosvenor Square property, Viscount Rempstone made his apologies for not being able to stay longer, and returned to his carriage for the return journey to London. When their visitor had left, Mr. Bennet turned to Nathan as they were walking back to the library. "I will admit, reading your father's journal never prepared me for that surprise. Why did you not mention that your mother was from such an elevated family?"

"I am sorry. I never really thought much about my mother's family, as they were rarely mentioned at home. I found out most of the information from my nurse. She told me the story of how my parents met and married, not my father."

"I know what your father wrote in the journal about his wife, but I confess I would be interested to hear what you know of the events if you wish to tell them."

"Certainly, Uncle." Nathan accepted Mr. Bennet's offer of refreshment before he made himself comfortable to tell his story. "I mentioned my nurse earlier. My mother engaged her at the time of my birth. Her name was Hessie and, as she was of a similar age to my mother, they were as close to friends as they could be, given their relative positions. Of course, I only had her word for that, but I never heard anything from my father to contradict what she told me. When I was old enough to express my curiosity, it was Hessie who explained the story as she was aware of it." Nathan settled back into his chair and crossed his long legs in front of him. "My grandfather had arrived on the island to do some business with the Governor, and brought with him his wife and daughter. His sons remained at school in England. As my father's holdings had grown by that time, he had involved himself in the local politics of the island, and therefore came to the attention of the then Viscount and his family."

Mr. Bennet interrupted him. "What sort of local politics?"

"As well as holding his own land, he also represented the interests of a group of absentee landowners with the Governor, and spoke on their behalf in meetings."

"Ah, I see. Pray, continue."

"Well, as I understand it, my mother fell in love with my father on first sight, and he was very quickly attracted to her. However, Lord Rempstone, my Grandfather, refused my father's petition for her hand. While his income and holdings on the island were acceptable, the Viscount had hoped to attract a titled husband for his only daughter, and my father just would not do."

"Well, I cannot say I am surprised. Even as a boy, my brother was always striving for what was just out of his reach. However, at that time it was usually the apples from the top of the tree."

Nathan smiled at the picture of his father climbing trees to reach the inaccessible fruit. "I understand that my father was not in the least daunted by his negative response; on the contrary, it made him all the more determined. Less than a month later, just before he was due to return to England, Lord Rempstone suddenly changed his mind and allowed them to wed."

Mr. Bennet was engrossed as he sat listening to his nephew. His tale was all the more fascinating for being about someone he knew so well. "So how did my brother overcome the objections against him and marry your mother?"

Nathan shrugged. "I do not know exactly what was said, or promised. Hessie told me that he charmed my Grandmother into submission, and then enlisted her aid in changing her husband's mind. Whatever happened, I assume he must have spoken eloquently, or at least convinced her parents of his deep affection for her daughter, as they finally relented. Two weeks later, they were married at St. Andrew's Church in Kingston. The ship which carried my grandparents back to England left Kingston two days after their wedding, and my mother never saw any of her family again."

"Yes, your mother died when you were so young." He watched as the young man nodded slowly, the sadness clearly visible on his face. "I read your father's thoughts on her death in his journal. He was obviously devoted to her."

"He was. I believe that was why he never remarried. He did not think that he could love again in quite the same way."

Mr. Bennet coughed; the conversation had suddenly turned more personal than he was used to. He looked at his young nephew, who was now staring pensively towards the window, lost in his thoughts and memories. He wondered whether it was better to spend two years with someone who inspired such a deep love and affection, or a lifetime with someone for whom he struggled to find any respect. If he had his time over again, would he choose to wait a further ten years to find a wife he could be happy with, rather than shackle himself to a woman of such shallow opinions and mean understanding? He would never know.

Clearing his throat, Mr. Bennet waited for Nathan's attention. "While we are alone, there are some other matters I would like the opportunity to discuss with you today. The first relates to my cousin, Mr. William Collins. As you may be aware, until your arrival, he expected to inherit Longbourn upon my demise. Unfortunately, your position within the family has placed him at a serious disadvantage." Mr. Bennet picked up a letter from his desk, and unfolded it carefully. "I did mean to write to him myself, but somehow never managed to find the time. I was half expecting him to visit as soon as he heard the news of your arrival; I had no doubt that some of the good-natured, gossiping Lucases would inform him at the earliest opportunity. However, it seems that Lady Catherine requires his permanent attention while her daughter is away visiting relatives. I will not sport with your patience in reading the whole—he can be rather long-winded at the best of times—but, if you will permit, I will read the pertinent section to you."

Moving the letter away from his face, to better focus on the words, Mr. Bennet began to read aloud:

I was informed last week, by letter from Hertfordshire, that the son of your late brother is now residing at Longbourn. That the reason for my father's troubling disagreement with yourself and your own father should have been alive and well all this time is, obviously, both distressing and pleasing to me—

"What does he mean by that, Uncle?"

"Only that Mr. Collins' grandfather—my own uncle—was the reason why John left Hertfordshire in the first place. He offered your father an adventure ... one he could not refuse; my brother always did have an adventuring spirit within him. The Collins inheritance which he received included property overseas which my Uncle was eager to claim, and he convinced John to accompany him. When they did not return, my father put the blame squarely against his younger brother, and the disagreement with my cousin ensued."
 
"Ah, so he is distressed because the disagreement between your family and his own was unnecessary, but pleased that my father had survived?"

"Quite. But wait ... do not judge his understanding too hastily; there is more—"

It only goes to confirm what I always believed. Regardless of the transgression, it is our Christian duty to forgive. I could say more on this subject, but I am resolved to be charitable in this matter. I was most interested to hear about my new cousin, of whom no one seemed to have the slightest knowledge. You can imagine, my dear sir, what a surprise it was to me to hear of his existence from someone other than yourself, especially when his arrival has such a material effect on my own future happiness. However, it is not my intention to bemoan the loss of an inheritance that I always understood to be immutable. My esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh has consoled me with the possibility of another living that is in her gift, when it becomes available. She has also graciously advised me to seek legal advice on this matter.

Nathan frowned. "He means to challenge my inheritance?"

"I believe that his intent is to reassure himself of its validity; no doubt to satisfy the demands of the esteemed Lady Catherine as much as of himself. It is no more than I expected. However, I will write to your father's attorney to advise him of this situation." He opened his desk draw and drew out a thicker packet of papers. "Talking of which, I received these final documents from Liverpool this very morning. I was digesting their contents when Lord Rempstone arrived. They confirm the proceeds from the sale of your father's estate, which I have been charged with holding in trust on your behalf as your legal guardian."

Nathan looked at him, his expression alert, but he remained silent.

Mr. Bennet wondered just how much his nephew was aware of his father's settlement on his daughters. "Nathan, did my brother discuss his testamentary wishes with you; both generally and in regard to my daughters?"

His nephew nodded. "Yes, we discussed all of his wishes before he made his will and I fully agreed with his decisions. If I remember correctly, an amount equal to my mother's dowry was to be divided equally between your daughters, and held on their behalf until such time as they married, or released at our discretion."

"When I read of that provision for my daughters in my brother's letter, I never expected your mother's portion to be so significant. Of course, that was before I found out about her family connections. This means that they will have an equal share amounting to seven thousand pounds each, not including the five thousand pounds which was settled on my wife and daughters at the time of my marriage. I am truly astounded by the generosity of both you and my brother."  

Nathan smiled. "Before his death, my father spent a considerable amount of time impressing upon me the responsibility I would have as your heir, especially regarding the wellbeing of my aunt and cousins, particularly should any remain unmarried at the time of your, er ... death."

Mr. Bennet sighed. As the years passed, he had developed a growing reluctance to mention that word.

"We both agreed that this would be a good use of my mother's dowry," Nathan continued. "It would have been passed to my younger siblings, had I been fortunate enough to have any. As I have now acquired five sisters, it is only right that I do what I can for them."

Having already perused the papers once, Mr. Bennet was interested to hear his nephew's opinion on another part of the disposition. "Are you also aware of the total amount of the residue from your father's estate?"

"Not exactly, but I have a general idea. My father did not spend his money unnecessarily; he was content to live a relatively simple life."

Mr. Bennet slowly released the breath he was not aware he had been holding. It seemed that this morning—which had started out much like any other—had already become full of surprises. Not including the money for his nieces, John Bennet's estate, after all his property had been sold and the debts paid, had amounted to slightly less than eighty-nine thousand pounds; a respectable sum by any reckoning. He suddenly understood that, thanks to the arrival of his nephew, there was now little need for him to ever to be concerned for his family's future again, and the fact that it had all been done with such trifling exertion on his side had made it all the more pleasant.

"I have decided not to make the amount of your father's estate generally known among the family, nor tell them about the money for my daughters."

"You mean you do not wish Mrs Bennet to know."

Mr. Bennet smiled, encouraged by his perspicacity. "That is correct, although I believe you will also benefit from that decision. The funds have been invested, and from the income generated, you will receive an allowance for new clothes, travel or perhaps study? Have you thought about continuing your education?" Mr. Bennet frowned as he looked at his nephew. "I assume that my brother did give you a proper education?"

"Yes, Uncle Bennet. My father ensured that I benefited from the talents of a Master."

"Hmm. In that case, perhaps I can contact my friend at Cambridge to see about getting you in for the beginning of the Michaelmas term." He looked once more at the letter in front of him. "At least you will be able to afford all the necessary rents and fees without difficulty."

"Yes, that is true," Nathan agreed lightly.

"And you—" A knock on the door interrupted Mr. Bennet. He frowned as Lydia put her head around the door.

"Papa, I wondered whether Nathan could walk with me to Meryton? I have a few things I wish to buy, and Kitty will not accompany me."

Mr. Bennet was slightly suspicious of his youngest daughter's submissive tone. Since Wickham had absconded, and the regiment had left the area, there was little need for him continuing to insist on her walking with one of her sisters, although Mr. Bennet was reluctant to allow matters to revert to the way they were before. "Is Mary not available?"

"Mary can never spare the time, and I do need to go. Please say he can come?"

"Lydia, we are in the middle of a discussion. Can it not wait?"

Nathan shuffled slightly in his chair. "Uncle, I would be happy to escort Lydia. We can continue our discussion when I return. Perhaps, this afternoon, we can also go through the tradesmen's accounts again?"

"Very well, if you wish. Lydia, your cousin has more important occupations than to watch you trying on new bonnets for hours on end. Do what you have to do, and then return."

"Certainly Papa," she replied, before turning to smile sweetly at her cousin. "Nathan, I will await you by the door."

After giving his permission for Nathan to escort his daughter, Mr. Bennet watched from the study window as the two cousins walked confidently down the drive, towards the gate. Lydia was clinging desperately to Nathan's arm, while she leaned closer towards him. Had he not been quite so tall, he was positive that his daughter would be whispering in his ear given half the chance. His youngest daughter was almost his wife reincarnated. He sobered as he remembered Mrs Bennet's enthusiasm before their marriage, and he resolved to give his nephew a quiet word of warning about Lydia.


Shaking his head in dismay, Mr. Bennet lowered himself into his chair as his mind returned to ponder the question that had vexed him since reading the letters from Liverpool. He had read almost half of his brother's journal since Nathan had been so good as to lend it to him, but it had so far not given up John Bennet's biggest secrets. How on earth could a young man of barely twenty years leave Hertfordshire with nothing, survive a shipwreck by the skin of his teeth, make his way to the Caribbean Islands and gain such land and income?

His reverie was interrupted by a knock on his door. Frustrated by yet another intrusion, he called, "Come in!" He was surprised to see Kitty enter his room. He could not recall the last time she had come to see him of her own accord. "Yes, Kitty? What can I do for you?"

His daughter seemed dismayed, as she looked around the room. "Oh! Is Nathan not with you? Lizzy thought he might be in here. I was looking for Nathan to ask if he would walk into Meryton with me. I did ask Lydia, and she said she would, but now she is gone and I cannot find her anywhere."

Mr. Bennet sat back in his chair with a sigh. Not for the first time did he meditate on the reasons why he should be burdened with such silly daughters. "I am deeply sorry to disappoint you, my dear. Lydia has already left for a walk to Meryton not ten minutes ago, and your cousin is with her."

"Oh, Lydia!" she cried hopelessly. "Why does she do this to me?" Bringing a handkerchief to her face, to stifle a distraught sob, she ran from the room.

With a shrug of his shoulders, Mr. Bennet returned his attention to the papers on his desk. Even should Nathan prove to have an extravagant nature—something he was quite convinced was not the case—he could not hope to spend the full amount his annual interest, which meant that the surplus funds could be reinvested to gradually increase his income. Mr. Bennet marvelled at the opportunities that would be available to his young nephew, as long as he could stay out of the grasp of his mercenary wife and youngest daughters.

"Mr. Bennet!" His wife startled him as she abruptly burst into the room, without knocking. "Mr. Bennet, what have you done to poor Kitty? She is upset and it is all your fault!"

Rising from his chair he took in a deep breath before replying. "Naturally, Mrs Bennet, it must be my fault." His tone held a definite warning, but his wife appeared incapable of noticing it. "The very act of sitting at my desk and dealing with my correspondence must be such a fearful sight that my daughter could no longer cope with the horror of it all. I am surprised that you could endure such a malicious act on my part. Now, if you do not mind, I would like to be allowed to read in peace!"

Seemingly ignorant of her husband's tone, she said, "Well who is responsible?"

"I would suggest you ask Lydia," Mr. Bennet replied coldly as he returned to his seat and opened a ledger on his desk. However, if he thought that would be the end of the conversation he was to be sadly disappointed.

"Lydia? What has she done? Where is she?"

He responded without raising his eyes from the line of figures. "At this moment? I would say she is almost half way to Meryton by now."

"On her own?"

"Oh no, my dear," he sighed. "She is not on her own, but I almost wish for my nephew's sake that she was."

~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~

Darcy sipped his coffee, as the footman laid the silver salver bearing the morning post discreetly on the table. He took the first letter from the pile and studied its direction. Recognising the hand of his steward at Pemberley, it was laid to one side for later perusal when he retired to work in his study.

The second letter was one he had been waiting for, and he broke the seal impatiently, spending only moments reading the two dozen polite words in the tradesman's neat hand. The item he had ordered was finished, and ready for inspection at his convenience. He made a mental note to advise Mr. Jessop that he would be going out that afternoon and would be needing the coach.

The final correspondent was easily recognised. If anything, Bingley's handwriting was even worse than usual. What was it about marriage that could affect a man's penmanship to such an extent? His initial assumption was that it was written in haste, but then again, most of his friend's communications appeared to suffer under very similar conditions.

Taking another sip of the strong brew, Darcy sat back against the chair, interested to hear how married life was treating one of his closest friends. It was much as he expected. Mrs Bingley remained a perfect angel, while Bingley's Aunt had been enraptured by the company of her new niece. The places they had been and the entertainments they had enjoyed were enumerated in his familiar, and careless, manner. Many of the words were left to the reader's imagination while others were obliterated by inkblots. After a few moments of concentration, Darcy understood that it was their intention to remain in Scarborough until the end of August, before returning to Netherfield in September, when a grand shooting party was to be held.

As he continued down the page, deciphering the remainder of the letter, his expression grew bleak. His first response was to rip the missive into shreds, as though destroying the written words would render Bingley's own opinions unfounded.

After his visit to Longbourn for Bingley's wedding, he had harboured such hopes. How could they have been dashed by a few careless lines of ink on a crumpled sheet of paper?

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