Hunter - A Ladys Choice

E lizabeth Bennets return to Longbourn after visiting Pemberley with her aunt and uncle had left her shaken to her very foundations. Much to the relief of all, Lydia was now Mrs. Wickham and, much to Mrs. Bennets dismay, the couple had moved to a tidy whitewashed house in a small village in Cumberland as Mr. Wickham took up a commission that Mr. Darcy had secured for him. Elizabeth knew that it was more to keep the wayward gentleman out of trouble than anything, and she secretly applauded Mr. Darcys cunning when dealing with Mr. Wickham, a man whom he had every right to despise and leave to his own misery but he had done this, he had rescued Lydiaand, indeed, all of the Bennet sistersfrom certain shame and ruin.

However much their gratitude had filled Longbourn, the fact that Netherfield Park still sat empty did not feel right. Elizabeth had heard no gossip in town as to when it would be occupied again, and as summer began to fade into autumn, she began to despair that it would never happen, and that her brief interaction with Mr. Darcy at Pemberley would be the last she would see of him.

All is well again, Mrs. Bennet announced at every available opportunity. On this particular morning, however, Elizabeth could not hide her annoyance. All was not well. Mr. Darcy had admitted his part in keeping Mr. Bingley and Jane apart, and she had hoped that if the gentleman had truly regretted the role he had played in such a cruel plot, that he would make an effort to right that heinous wrong and Mr. Bingley would return to Hertfordshire to renew his affections for Jane.

But after the passage of so many weeks, it seemed as though it was not to be. The militia regiment was due to return to Meryton in a very short time, and preparations were already being made for a grand assembly to welcome them back to town. Colonel Forster, by way of apology for what had happened while Lydia was under his care, had promised that the Bennets would be the guests of honor. Kitty, the only remaining daughter who was interested in such things, was beside herself with giddy joy, but Elizabeth could not bring herself to muster any such enthusiasm.

Jane, as much as she had promised that she had forgotten Mr. Bingley, appeared to suffer from a similar malady. Elizabeth had never known her sister to pine, but it was distressing to see her in such a state. Surely, Mr. Bingley and his sisters would return to Netherfield for Christmas, she supposed. There had been no talk in town of the estate being let to any other party, so it was reasonable to assume that Mr. Bingley would returnbut when he would do so was unclear.

Once the regiment returns to Meryton, it will be ever so much more exciting, Kitty chirped. Mrs. Forster will be desperate for a new friend, I should think

Mrs. Bennet slapped her fan down upon the table, interrupting her daughter. You will do no such thing, she said crisply. Mrs. Forster has proven to be a very unreliable friend to this family, and I will not have another daughter put in harms way because of it.

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, amused to see that Jane had reacted in a similar way. There was very little self-awareness in the Bennet house, and it was unusual to hear their mother speak in such a way, but Elizabeth supposed there had been a lesson learned with Lydias misadventurehowever unwelcome it might have been.

Oh, Mama, Kitty moaned.

Oh, Mama, nothing, Mrs. Bennet exclaimed. If you must marry a soldier, I would not have it be one of Mrs. Forsters choosing.

Kittys lower lip trembled, but she did not burst into tears, a welcome change from a few months ago when any sort of sternness would have caused her to break into a fit of crying. The removal of Lydias influence from the house had its benefits, Elizabeth mused as she stirred her tea.

Nevertheless, I cannot deny that the return of the garrison will bring a welcome amusement back to our society, Mrs. Bennet admitted. Come now, Jane, even you cannot be so forlorn at the prospect of a merry dance?

No, indeed, Mama, Jane agreed, but Elizabeth could hear the reluctance in her sisters voice.

I promise you, my girl, a dance or two with a gentleman who looks very well in his regimental jacket will set your spirits right again. Do you not agree, Lizzy?

Elizabeth blinked at her mother for a moment before nodding hastily. To be sure, Mama, she said quietly. But she did not believe her own words, and she knew that it would require the presence of one particular gentleman in a well-fitted jacket to make Jane smile again.

Mrs. Hill appeared in the doorway of the parlor and Elizabeth smiled at Longbourns long-suffering housekeeper. The poor woman was run ragged by her mistress demands, but she never complained, and never gave Mrs. Bennet any reason to doubt her loyalty. Miss Lizzy, a letter for you, she said and held out a folded piece of parchment.

Elizabeth took the letter and thanked her quietly. She examined the handwriting curiously as Mrs. Hill bustled through the room collecting plates and checking the tea pot.

Who is it from, Lizzy? Kitty asked with interest. Has Charlotte fallen pregnant yet? she giggled into her hand at the thought. Being married to Mr. Collins was a nightmare to a girl like Kitty, and she could not imagine that Charlotte could ever be happy, let alone allow the man to come near enough to her to father a child. Elizabeth fixed her sister with a stern stare, and Kittys giggles faded away.

It is from Felicity Baker, she said as she read the return address again. Do you remember her, Jane?

Very faintly, Jane said after a moment.

Her father moved the family to Scotland when we were quite young. She used to write regularlybut I have not had a letter from her in some time. Since Christmas, I believe.

How wonderful, Jane said as Elizabeth broke the seal and opened the letter. She read it quickly and her mouth dropped open in surprise.

What is it, Lizzy? Jane asked curiously.

I have been invited to visit, she replied slowly.

To Scotland? Mrs. Bennet exclaimed. And so close to winter?

Mama, it is only September, Elizabeth sighed. But I have never been farther north than Derbyshire

You must write to her at once and tell her that you will go! Kitty cried. Though she was nervous of it herself, Elizabeths younger sister was enamored of the