2. Conflicting Agendas

Our Lady of Longbourn

Lizzie gradually takes over the running of Longbourn after becoming aware of her father's neglect... with impacts far greater than she could have ever imagined.

Chapter Two – Conflicting Agendas

In the year of our Lord, 1803

Twelve year-old Lizzie Bennet completed the final tally of the harvest and its sale. She sat back and grinned. This year Papa had mostly sat back and allowed her to make the decisions. She had changed several of the crops on the home farm and she had convinced one of the tenant farmers to do the same. As a result of these changes and other improvements, Longbourn had enjoyed an increase of two-hundred pounds above the average for the previous years. It might not be much, but it at least proved her ideas.

Her mother had caught on to Lizzy's involvement in estate matters and she had vociferously disapproved. Papa had simply ignored his wife and allowed Lizzy to press on, but he also didn't intervene when Mama almost constantly harangued her second daughter. Now Lizzy had the proof she needed to show Mama that she should be allowed to continue.

At the dinner table that night, Mama began her usual litany. Lizzy waited for Papa to intervene and brag on her accomplishment, but Papa merely ignored his wife and tucked into his meal. Finally, Lizzy could take no more. Mama was saying, "If you let Lizzy continue with her silly, upstart ways, she'll be the ruin of us all! Why, when you die…"

"Mama," Lizzy spoke up loudly, causing all eyes to fall on her, "We completed the harvest figures today. Thanks to my changes, we saw an increase of over two-hundred pounds." Not wishing to hear any more, she rose and said, "Papa, may I be excused?"

Papa waved her off with a twinkle in his eye. Elizabeth ascended the stairs so quickly that she could only hear the volume when Mama resumed her complaints.

The following day Lizzie made a visit to Mr. Matthews to share her news. He congratulated her and they spoke of other possible improvements. Lady Adelle, having seen her young friend out of the window, sent down an invitation to tea. Lizzy gladly accepted. By the time that Lizzy arrived back at the house, Mama was just returning with Jane and her two youngest. At first she tried to block out her mother's voice and the senseless giggles of Lydia. Then she heard something that alarmed her.

"Didn't you enjoy Mrs. Lawry's face when we ordered two dresses each?!" Mama cackled. Lydia nodded and tried to imitate the dress-maker's expression as a seven year old might have understood it. "I proudly announced that Longbourn had done very well this year and we could afford to buy whatever we wanted!"

Lizzy paled and spoke up, for the first time alerting the others to her presence. Jane who had been sitting silently in the corner shook her head trying to forestall Lizzy, but it was too late, "Mama! Please don't tell me that you just spent the increase from the harvest! That money is supposed to be used to…" Slap!

Lizzy looked at her mother in shock. Mrs. Bennet glared at her daughter, "Lizzy, your father may allow you to interfere where you have no business sticking your nose, but you listen to me: don't you ever try to tell me what I can spend! You had better remember your place, girl. Now you will go to bed now, without supper!"

Lizzy stared at her mother as if she were a stranger. Then Mama raised a hand again. Lizzy stood, refusing to cry, and walked with as much dignity as she could find up the stairs and to her room. That night Jane, Mary, and even Kitty snuck her food. Lydia poked her head in once to giggle at her sister and then left. Papa never even came up the stairs to speak with her.

When Lizzy tried to talk with Papa about what happened the previous day, he shook his head but did nothing more. When she begged him to stop Mama's spending before all of the profits were gone, he hushed her, picked up his book, and sent her away.

From that moment forward, Lizzy changed her manner of doing things. Father (no longer "Papa" in her mind) had a new ledger waiting on the shelf, having purchased more than one at a time. She took that ledger to her room and hid it. As autumn progressed into winter and winter to spring, she kept two sets of records. The records in Father's office mirrored previous years. Her personal ledger was the only one which showed any increases. She was thankful now that math came so easily for her.

Father knew what she was doing, but he said nothing, as usual. But he also did not say anything to Mrs. Bennet (in Lizzy's mind, she would always only be Mrs. Bennet after that day). Lizzy took the increases and squirreled them away. When she caught Lydia searching through her room one day, Lizzy spoke with Lady Adelle and began keeping extra funds at Netherfield. It was Lady Adelle who first spoke with Lizzy about investing. Uncle Gardiner confirmed Lady Adelle's assertions and offered suggestions for possible opportunities.

On the next harvest Mrs. Bennet demanded to know if there was any increase. Lizzy felt no shame whatsoever in deceiving the woman she used to call Mama. As Lizzy expected, she witnessed Mrs. Bennet sneaking into Father's study that same night. Lizzy was thankful for the second book. On the following day Mrs. Bennet harangued and laughed at Lizzy for failing, stating that the previous year's increase had nothing to do with her foolish and headstrong second daughter.

In fact, with Lizzy's aggressive study, she had managed an increase of another three-hundred pounds. Most of the other tenant farmers, having seen the positive effects of crop rotation, had agreed to follow suit. Altogether she had five-hundred pounds over the usual two-thousand. All of this went to Uncle Gardiner, who invested the money in his own shipping venture, as agreed. That year Mr. Gardiner's ships sailed for the India and the Orient. If they returned with a full cargo through the French and pirates, Lizzy's investment might more than double… or she could lose it all. She decided to make her next investment closer to home.

In the year of our Lord, 1805

Elizabeth was fourteen, soon to be fifteen, with all of the awkwardness attending that age. Jane, on the other hand, was sixteen and turning eyes wherever she went, whether she wanted to or not. Predictably, her mother fixated on marrying her beautiful daughter off the richest man available.

Lady Adelle's nephew came to visit and provided the focus for Mrs. Bennet's obsession. To be fair, it was a promising looking match. Mr. James Meriwether was tall, handsome, and about twenty-five. He was believed to have a fortune of his own, but he also hoped to inherit Netherfield Park from his aunt.

"Imagine, Jane, being mistress of such a fine estate! Surely Lady Adelle can't last much longer. We need to get you married soon!"

That night Lizzy joined her older sister in bed, "What do you think of Mr. Meriwether, Jane? He certainly pays enough attention to you. But what do you feel about him?"

Lizzy had seen unguarded moments when Mr. Meriwether looked at Jane. In Lizzy's mind it wasn't a look of love, but rather a more sinister expression. Even Jane, who wished to think the best of everyone, sometimes felt uncomfortable around the man. "I don't know, Lizzy. Mama says he is a good match, and I know that he is… but I wish that she wouldn't keep leaving me alone with him… it doesn't feel right."

Lizzy made a point after that to always be present when Mr. Meriwether was with Jane. She sometimes had to evade her mother, who constantly shooed her other daughters away from the pair. Occasionally she was unsuccessful, and one time she thought that the woman might strike her again. There had never been another repeat of that slap, but sometimes matters came dangerously close.

Once again, Lizzy tried to discuss her concerns with her father, but while he still enjoyed conversing with her and watching her efforts toward stewardship, he refused to intervene in matters of the heart. "Lizzy, if the man wishes to admire your sister, then who can blame him? If he wishes to marry her, then it will be Jane's decision whether or not to accept him. He is your beloved Lady Adele's nephew… I doubt that we need be concerned." Frustrated, Lizzy finally walked away.

Mrs. Bennet was convinced that Mr. Meriwether was only waiting for the right moment to propose. "After all, you cannot be so beautiful for nothing. Such jewels you will have when you are Mistress of Netherfield, Jane. Such carriages!"

Elizabeth watched her sister... and she watched Meriwether... and her disquiet grew. She finally decided to enlist the loyal servants to her cause, "Mrs. Hill, Mr. Hill... You see how Mama persists in placing Jane in compromising situations. Please help us to protect my sister?"

Mr. and Mrs. Hill had long since decided that Lizzie was the true Master of Longbourn... or at least that she was the only one who deserved the title. "We will do all that we can, Miss Lizzie." True to their word, all of the servants of Longbourn found ways to ensure that Jane was never without help if she needed it.

oOoOOoOo

Meriwether cursed as he stomped out of his aunt's office. He couldn't believe that little tart had the nerve to tell her tale! Fool! What was I thinking messing with one of my aunt's servants? But she was such a tasty little morsel! Not as tempting as that Bennet chit, but with the fence her sisters have built around her...

He kicked a rock out into the field. He had thought that it would be easy taking what he wanted from the little beauty. She was shy and submissive and her mother was so desperate to marry her girls off well that she had no compunction about leaving him along with her daughter. She may be willing to see her daughter compromised for a little advancement, but that little brat Lizzie! He was foiled at every turn whenever he tried to get Jane far enough away to take his pleasure without getting caught.

And now that my aunt's kicked me out, I'll never... wait... The little brat will hear about this... that is certain... and if she thinks I'm gone...

Lizzie was overjoyed on the following morning when Mrs. Hill passed on the news that Mr. Meriwether had been booted out of Netherfield. I know that there is something that Mrs. Hill isn't telling me... it probably involves one of the female servants and she wants to protect the girl's name. It makes me sad and angry, but I am very happy that he's gone. Now I can feel safer about leaving Jane and visiting the tenants. Walking with a skip in her step, she headed downstairs to break her fast.

Meriwether found a nice, secluded spot where he could tie his horse and watch Longbourn. He watched that annoying second sister as she walked the home farm. For a few minutes he entertained the idea of taking his pleasure with that one instead, but he liked his women to have soft curves. The girl might be entertaining in a year of two, but not yet. No, I've waited for Miss Jane, and I'm going to get my fill of her.

His patience was rewarded when he saw Miss Elizabeth heading off toward a tenant farm. As soon as the second Bennet girl disappeared down the road, he walked confidently up to the front door.

Mrs. Bennet was overjoyed to see the handsome and wealthy Mr. Meriwether. She almost ruined his plans by her effusiveness and praise. Will this woman ever be still? I don't want to hear about how wonderful I am! I want your daughter, you daft hen! But once again his patience was rewarded. After making much of him, she pushed her other daughters outside, excepting Lydia, who was up sick in bed. He saw his moment, "The day is so nice, I wouldn't mind a stroll myself. Miss Jane, would you do me the honor?"

"Sir, I don't think that…" Jane tried to demure.

"Nonsense!" Mrs. Bennet interjected, thereby demonstrating that she was listening at the door. "By all means, such a beautiful day should not be wasted. You should both enjoy a nice, long walk."

Jane felt uncomfortable at first, but as Mr. Meriwether spoke cheerfully about innocuous subjects, she began to relax. Then she noticed their path, "Sir, this path will take us too far from the house. I would much rather walk in our gardens…"

"But my dear girl, I walked this way the other day and saw such a beautiful bird by the pond that I wanted to share it with you," he said, holding her arm to his side and continuing his direction.

Jane, feeling more worried by the moment, tried to pull her arm away, "Sir! I believe that this is far enough! I wish to return…" She was stopped suddenly when the much larger man whipped her around so that she was facing him.

In a moment he had his hand wrapped in Jane's hair and he was forcing a kiss on her. Then he began to push backwards.

Lizzy enjoyed a short visit with a tenant family before remembering that she had promised to loan one of her books to the eldest daughter. Excusing herself, she headed back toward home. On the way she waved to Mr. Matthews, who was supervising the repair of a stone wall.

When she encountered Kitty chasing a duck in the yard, Lizzy asked, "Where are the others?"

"Boring Mary is reading a book on the bench. Mama is inside. Mr. Meriwether and Jane walked that way," Kitty pointed. Alarmed, Lizzy exclaimed, "Oh no! We can't leave her alone with him!" She ran that direction. Kitty, who was three years younger but almost as tall, thought it was a lark, so she chased after her sister.

Mr. Meriwether had Jane pinned to the ground beside the path, forcing his kisses on the struggling girl as his hands sought purchase on her dress. Suddenly a body drove into his, knocking him off of Jane. He recovered quickly though and grabbed Lizzy, throwing her to the ground and jumping on her with the intent of striking her in his fury.

In what became a defining moment in Kitty Bennet's life, she ran onto the scene just as the man threw Lizzy down. Unsure of what to do, she almost froze, but then her eyes fell on a jagged rock the size of a melon. Without any conscious thought, she seized the rock with both hands just as the man brought back his own fist to strike her sister. With all of her might, she brought the rock down on the man's head.

Two things happened. The first was that Mr. Meriwether's world turned black and he collapsed, thankfully beside Lizzy instead of on top of her. The second thing that happened was that Kitty screamed. When she seized the rock, she had gripped it tight. When she slammed it down, her pinky finger was in the way. Caught between a rock and a skull, her little finger was crushed. Collapsing in pain, she rolled on the ground, wailing.

Jane had been sinking into shock from trauma, but Kitty's distress saved her. Ever the mother figure, she couldn't ignore Kitty's terrible wails. Despite the shaking that threatened to overwhelm her, she pulled Kitty to her and rocked the little girl close. "There, there, Kitty, it will be all right."

By this time Lizzy was up as well. Her first attention was to Mr. Meriwether in case he tried to attack again. She was tempted to repeat Kitty's assault on the man, but one look told her that it wouldn't be necessary. The man was unconscious and bleeding profusely from the back of his head. In fact, he looked dead.

For the first time in a long time, Lizzy didn't know what to do next. Then she remembered seeing Mr. Matthews working on the stone wall that separated one section of Longbourn and Netherfield property. "Stay there, Jane. Try to keep Kitty quiet so that Father and Mother don't rush out here. I'll explain later." Before running away, she kissed Kitty on the head, "You are a brave little girl, Kitty."

It took more than ten minutes, but she returned with Mr. Matthews. She had caught his attention, then signaled for him to remain quiet and come to her. The steward was amused at first until he came close and saw Lizzy's expression. As they ran back to the scene, Lizzy had told her story breathlessly. His first response was, "We need to get your father right away."

"Wait, sir, you don't understand! Father won't do anything… and Kitty might have killed Lady Adelle's nephew! And if you talk to Father, Mrs. Bennet will know! She always tries to listen at the door! And she'll try to make Jane marry that man… even after what he tried to do!"

"Fine. Fine. Let me look first, and then I'll decide what to do." One look at the scene told the tale. Mr. Meriwether was still bleeding on the path. Kitty's finger was bent and misshapen. And Jane's face was beginning to sport an ugly bruise. "This will have to be handled carefully. Did he bring his horse?"

Kitty, though still in intense pain, surprised all by replying, "He tied it over by the willow tree behind our garden."

"Good. Does anybody else ever walk this path?"

Lizzy answered, "No, this is Longbourn land and well off the road."

"Better still. Miss Jane, Lizzy, Kitty, I am going to get Mr. Meriwether's horse and ride to Netherfield for the carriage so that I can move you without anyone seeing you. I'll return as soon as I can. One of you must watch the road for me. As soon as I pull up, all three of you climb in."

"Where are you taking us?" Jane asked with concern.

"To Lady Adele," When he saw fear in her eyes, he added, "Lady Adele just told her nephew that he had to leave the estate. She has become aware of his true character through another incident. She will protect you until I can speak privately with your father. Please trust her."

Lizzy and Jane nodded. Kitty curled up against Jane. She would follow her older sisters' leads.

oOo

Only thirty minutes saw all three girls safely under Lady Adele's care. She sent a servant for Mr. Jones, the apothecary, while Mr. Matthews quietly collected Mr. Bennet. When their father heard the tale, he was animated for the first time in years. His first inclination was to find the man and either kill him or drag him in front of a magistrate.

"Don't be foolish, Mr. Bennet," Lady Adele interjected sharply, "Mr. Lucas is the magistrate… and the worst gossip in town. If you involve him, all of Meryton will know by breakfast. Miss Jane is bruised, but his assault was not successful. Do you want her reputation compromised? And what of your other daughters? If my nephew dies, it will be no loss to the family, but it will blacken your girls' names if word gets out."

Taking a deep breath and releasing it, Mr. Bennet demanded, "Then what do you suggest, your Ladyship?"

"You and Matthews will take the wagon back to that location. Don't involve any other servants or tenants. Get my nephew into the wagon, cover him, and take him and his horse towards London. He was supposed to ride there today anyway. Put him on the side of the road and leave his horse tangled in a thicket."

"That seems rather callous about your own nephew," Mr. Bennet replied.

"Mr. Bennet, I just spent the night consoling one of my female servants after he successfully did to her what he intended to do to Miss Bennet. I do not want that animal anywhere near my home or my friends ever again." She stared at Mr. Bennet until he nodded.

Per agreement, Mr. Bennet left the girls with Lady Adele and he went with Mr. Matthews. It was backbreaking work, but the two men managed to drag the recumbent man to the road, load him, and hide him before anyone passed by. With Meriwether's horse tied to the wagon, they headed south. Mr. Matthews drove for ten miles before pulling to a halt, "Look at this ravine, Mr. Bennet. I believe that it would be ideal." It took another ten breathless minutes, but then the unconscious man was suitably situated as if he had fallen from his horse.

Mr. Meriwether was still breathing and his bleeding had stopped, but he remained quite unconscious. Neither man knew if he would live or die. Neither man truly cared now that he was away from Meryton. If found now, anyone would assume a simple accident.

As they climbed back into the wagon, Mr. Bennet suddenly paled and said, "Oh Lord. I forgot about Mrs. Bennet!"

Back at Longbourn, Mrs. Bennet was finally beginning to worry. Two hours had passed and neither Mr. Meriwether nor Jane had returned. Assuming that the pair had walked toward town, she eventually donned her shawl and began walking in that direction.

Meanwhile, the two men were riding back toward Meryton, discussing what to do next. "Sir, I recommend sending at least Miss Bennet and Miss Kitty to the Gardiners. Use Miss Kitty's injury as an excuse to visit a doctor in Town; actually, it does need to be seen to."

Mr. Bennet had his carriage readied as soon as he arrived back at the house. Thankfully finding Fanny absent, he wrote a quick note and departed for Netherfield. Just after the noon hour, the Bennet carriage was being pulled towards London with Mr. Bennet, Jane, and Kitty aboard. Lizzy arrived home to a very angry and confused Mrs. Bennet. Lizzy didn't like deception, but it was becoming second-nature when dealing with her mother.

"Mama (she used this term to defuse her mother's anger), Jane told me that Mr. Meriwether only wanted to tell Jane that he was returning to London and wouldn't return. Poor Jane was upset, so she was wandering around. I was walking home from the Taftons when I heard Kitty screaming. I ran over, but Jane got there first. It was terrible, Mama. Her little finger is all smashed from a fall. I ran for Papa and he came to help. When he saw it, he had me run back to find you and tell Mr. Tibbs to get the carriage ready. I couldn't find you, but Mr. Tibbs was there and he got the horses hitched to the carriage. Papa left for London right away. He took Jane along cause she was helping to keep Kitty calm."

Mollified, Mrs. Bennet completely forgot that when she had passed the stable, the carriage was still there. Instead, she fretted about what a deformed finger might do to Kitty's future marriage prospects. Then she suddenly smiled, "If Jane is in London, then Mr. Meriwether can continue to court her! I'll write to my brother right away and insist that they keep her there for a month or more."

Thankfully, Mrs. Bennet didn't see Lizzy shiver at the mention of Mr. Meriwether. Keeping Jane in London was a good idea, however, so she said nothing more.