My Brother, Your Sister: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Shana Granderson A Lady

Author:Shana Granderson A Lady [Lady, Shana Granderson A]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-05-18T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

There was a break in the storm, which had angrily raged all night, a little after ten in the morning. There was still steady rain falling, but the wind had calmed significantly and there was no thunder or lightning.

A Netherfield Park footman made the ride to Longbourn across the fields, which cut the distance between the two estates down by about a mile. Even though Miss Bingley had not agreed he needed them, he was wearing oilskins which succeeded in keeping him dry. On his arrival at the Bennets’ estate, he removed the oilskins in the stables and using the covered walkway, he reached the kitchen door in a dry state. He handed the missive he was carrying to Mr. Hill, who conveyed it to the master in the dining parlour with the family.

Bennet took the note from the butler. His wife, mother, and two youngest daughters looked at him expectantly. “I told you they would be well taken care of,” Bennet assured his family. He opened the note which was written in Jane’s hand and began to read.

26 July 1808

Netherfield Park

Papa, Mama, Grandmama Beth, and sisters,

We are all well. By His Providence we arrived minutes before the skies opened up so none of us were soaked.

Papa, your note achieved its purpose. When we arrived, much to Mr. Bingley’s disappointment, all the other men were present. When Miss Bingley saw my sisters had accompanied me, she could not have looked more sour if she had been sucking a lemon.

Richard was quick to announce our courtship, and to his credit since it was made public, Mr. Bingley has done the honourable thing and ceased his attentions to me.

As I am sure you are aware, the torrential rain caused the stream to overflow its banks and weakened the bridge again. Even though our horses are here, it may be a few days before we are able to ride home.

Mama and Grandmama, please send some clothing for us. The footman will kindly carry the trunk back with him as long as the weather does not worsen again. I am sure between the two of you, you will choose gowns that we each like.

Cathy and Lyddie, we miss you and will see you soon. Unfortunately, you will have to put up with the heir apparent without us for a few days. Just keep to your lessons with Mrs. Frost and you will not see him except for meals.

With warmest regards to all of you,

Jane (the scribe), Lizzy, and Mary

“Did I not tell you they would have arrived before the deluge began?” Bennet asked his wife.

“Yes, Thomas, you did. That however did not stop my maternal concerns until it was confirmed they are all well,” Fanny averred.

Fanny and Beth began to stand but when she saw her son’s quizzical look Beth explained, “Rather than wait until we have completed our meal, with the uncertainty of the weather, we want the footman to be on his way back as soon as may be.”

Between them, it did not take long for them to pack a trunk.

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