Felicity in Marriage: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice continues ... Part One

Felicity in Marriage Part One

Chapter 1

"Oh, Mamma!" Elizabeth sighed as she scanned the spikes and flourishes conveying her mother's irritation. She turned over the letter and grimaced.

"My dear? Is it very bad news from Longbourn? I'm sure there was nothing more than is usually amiss when I left; nothing that had outraged your mother unduly." Mr. Bennet turned the page of his paper and coughed unconcernedly. "What perplexes her now, I wonder, as I am not there as the source of it?"

"Father!" exclaimed Elizabeth as she looked up from her letter. "I do hope you informed Mamma of your departure and intended length of stay with us? From her letter it almost seems as if you disappeared in the night and no one knows where you have got to."

"It is, of course, the usual nonsense, my dear. How could I possibly have left Longbourn with no one knowing where I was going? I may not be the most communicative of persons but I hope I am not so thoughtless as to leave without word, although it is debatable if anybody marks that word.

"It is true enough; your mother was most displeased when I announced my intention of travelling into Derbyshire for a surprise visit, but, as she was still suffering from a recent bout with either a cold or her nerves - I forget which specifically - and determinedly confined to her bed, she could not possibly have accompanied me. In her fragile state of health it would have done her no good at all. The state of the weather and the roads precluded it, but she was most animated on the unfairness of it all, I assure you, accusing me of all manner of subterfuge and favouritism."

Elizabeth laughed again and returned to her letter. "Well, she is certainly most vexed at your 'high-handed attitude' as she calls it, but hopes that you will not suffer too many aches and pains from such a lengthy ride; although, I do not think that sentiment is quite meant in the manner it is written, Father. She is, however, very concerned that Darcy and I think badly of her for not accompanying you and wishes to explain the extent of her illness, which she does, for several lines, in great detail."

"It is nothing but her usual imagined nervous disposition with which you are perfectly familiar, and a trifling cold, the likes of which she has dismissed in others on more than one occasion, but which served its purpose for my escape. I think it perfectly natural that your father should be the first visitor in your new home, with or without the added impediment of an ill wife. But, are not you glad to see me, Lizzy?"

Elizabeth rose and hugged her father where he sat, crumpling his paper in the process.

"We are both delighted to see you – I can speak for Darcy in his absence - and hope you are able to spare several weeks to spend with us, if you think Mamma will manage without you."

"There, there, Lizzy! No need for that; get along with you! Manage without me, indeed. She has done so to great effect these twenty years at least and will continue to do so quite admirably for some time to come, I have no doubt. I believe I shall stay just long enough to feel rested from the journey and able to consider the return aspect of it with equanimity, but not so long that you are both wishing me long gone. It is a delicate balance for a guest, but do not concern yourself, my dear, I would not wish to impose where I cease to give pleasure.

"I am, however, most conscious of needing to impress your new husband; we must improve his view of our family, Lizzy, and I hope that this visit will promote that. It is another reason, perhaps, that your mother's illness was so well-timed."

Elizabeth returned to her breakfast and letter, when she let out a sudden gasp.

"Oh, how wonderful that she feels so well! Charlotte is to leave Meryton tomorrow, Father, with baby William! Apparently the Barouche box has arrived from Hunsford and is even now parked in Lucas Lodge's stable. Ah! Mamma says Lady Lucas is making the most of it, telling everyone how kind Lady Catherine has been to her grandson and daughter, 'quite revelling in the situation' apparently. I am so happy for Charlotte that she will have a comfortable journey home. Lady Catherine must have improved her opinion of Mr. Collins after his perceived involvement in my disgraceful marriage to Darcy. I am glad of that at least. I wonder if the Barouche box will soon be sent here as a peace offering?"