Page 117 of Shields and Roses

After hearing all the news, Peter said, "I had already planned to leave this morning for Kent. This news makes a frank discussion with my sister all the more imperative."

"Your sister, sir?" Captain Jackson asked.

"We believe some, if not all, of Wickham's actions were done under the direction of or in expectation of financial incentive from my sister, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She holds a long-standing and entirely unreasonable grudge against both Bennet and me."

"What do you think you can do to stop her?"

"I have recently gained some leverage over her that I never had before. It is currently a family secret, so I would rather not be explicit, but I may now have a way to at least keep her in check."

"I wish you good fortune then," Captain Jackson said, standing. "I thank you for breakfast, Mr. Bennet, but I really must get back to the search for Wickham. Please be sure you and all your family take precautions to remain safe. I will keep you posted."

Peter left soon after Captain Jackson. His hope was to have an interview with Lady Catherine that afternoon, stay the night somewhere near Rosings Park, or in London if he could get that far, and then return in time for the dinner party on Friday. After some discussion, Sir Phillip went along with him. As heir to Rosings Park and the last male representative of the de Bourgh family, he had an interest in the discussion. In addition, Darcy, Bennet, Anne and Martin all felt it was best if Peter did not travel or confront his sister alone. Anne, in particular, had warned him to be very careful not to underestimate her mother's cunning. With return warnings for everyone in the household to take care, Peter and Sir Phillip were on their way.

Chapter 53: Attack

By mid-morning, all the members of the household had been warned to stay in company and stay close to the house. Mrs. Bennet was the most disappointed, since she had wanted to do more visiting to spread the good news about her three oldest daughters. Mrs. de Bourgh reminded her that the Gardiners and Mary would be arriving soon and that the dinner party might need more planning. The two ladies soon settled in the sitting room with Jane, who seemed to have infinite patience with her mother's effusions and Anne, who had never planned a party of any kind before and was curious how it was done.

Darcy and Lizzy joined the younger girls in the music room after Darcy sent a messenger to Netherfield to warn the inhabitants there of Wickham's escape. Bingley arrived soon after in response, saying that the rest of the party had decided to wait until later in the afternoon to make their visit.

"Lady Sheldon is giving my sister lessons in the duties of a gentleman's wife," he explained to Darcy and Lizzy when he joined them in the music room. She has also offered to assist my sister in society if Caroline is willing to work to amend her attitude."

"That is kind of her," Darcy said. "Your sister has many fine attributes. With the help of Lady Sheldon, she can learn to make the most of them."

"Both Lady Sheldon and Mrs. Damask have privately told me that part of their willingness to help is because my sister's behavior and status could eventually affect Mary's happiness. They also said it was a shame for someone with Caroline’s potential to display herself so poorly. I am just glad she will be gaining their help."

"They both taught me a great deal," Lizzy said. "I also felt they were able to expose Jane and me to a much wider circle of acquaintances and into a, well, more elevated society, if you will, than we would otherwise expect. I am certain they can do the same for your sister."

"I have to say it is a relief to me that they offered. She has been so subdued since we talked about her expectations for the future. I hope this will ease some of her worry about what will happen as my courtship with Miss Mary progresses."

"Just having Lady Sheldon and Mrs. Damask willing to introduce her to their circles of society will be enough to demonstrate that no one considers her 'on the shelf' even if you do marry before she does," Darcy said. "Once all the impending Bennet marriages take place, Miss Bingley's connections become an additional draw on top of her dowry and good looks. If she can also be taught to moderate her behavior, she should be to attract some fine prospects that match what she is looking for in a husband."

"Just not you," Lizzy teased.

"Never me," confirmed Darcy. "I have everything I need in you."

Bingley rolled his eyes and chuckled at the two of them. Kitty and Lydia looked up from their game of chess at the sound.

"Have you been discussing something amusing?" Lydia asked.

"It is your sister and Darcy who are amusing," replied Bingley.

"Ah, and I suppose you have never said anything like that to Miss Mary?" Darcy asked.

Bingley blushed to his ear tips. His silence spoke volumes and both Lizzy and Darcy chuckled at the lack of response.

"I am looking forward to seeing Mary again," Kitty said, kindly deflecting the attention from Bingley. "She has been gone so long it makes me wonder how different she will be."

"What do you mean?" Lizzy asked.

"Well, you and Jane both changed after your trips to London and the trip to Derbyshire. I do not mean that in a bad way, it was just clear you both had, well, I guess grown is the best way to express it."

Lizzy nodded in understanding. "I suppose you are correct. We have seen more of the world than Meryton and even the familiar starts to look different when you have a wider experience to compare it to. That was the intent of the visits in many ways, I think. But Mary has visited the Gardiners in London before. Why do you think this trip will have changed her?"

"She visited the Gardiners previously, but not for the exposure to society. And, she has never been in a courtship before. That will make her different as well."

"Not to reveal too much, but I do know it has made her very happy," Lizzy said, causing Bingley to blush again.

"I hope their party arrives here soon," Bingley mumbled.