Alias Thomas Bennet Read online

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Alias Thomas Bennet

  Copyright © 2013 by Suzan Lauder

  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any format whatsoever. For information: P.O. Box 34, Oysterville WA 98641

  ISBN: 978-1-936009-29-9

  Cover design by Janet Taylor

  Graphic design by Ellen Pickels

  Content

  Acknowledgments

  Dedication

  Prologue

  Chapter 1: We meet our protagonists in the Bennet family.

  Chapter 2: Fresh blood at the Meryton assembly, and Darcy is an ass.

  Chapter 3: Mr. Bingley and his friends meet the neighbours, and Mr. Bingley becomes smitten.

  Chapter 4: Darcy attends the Lucas soiree and engages in a war of wits with Miss Elizabeth.

  Chapter 5: The lovely and proper Bennet sisters meet the charming and rakish Mr. Wickham.

  Chapter 6: Mrs. Philips gossips, and Miss Bingley assumes too much.

  Chapter 7: In which Mr. Bennet seeks to know Mr. Darcy’s intentions towards his daughter.

  Chapter 8: Thomas Bennet and Mr. Miles meet whilst on a long trip.

  Chapter 9: An agreement that would change his life.

  Chapter 10: Lydia wants to go to a ball, and the Netherfield party leaves for Town.

  Chapter 11: Lady Catherine interrogates Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and a romance is rekindled.

  Chapter 12: Mr. Wickham’s creditors become vocal, and he identifies his new adversary.

  Chapter 13: Elizabeth sojourns in Kent and cannot have been always at Longbourn.

  Chapter 14: Bingley is betrothed, and Darcy is chagrined.

  Chapter 15: During which the reader is subjected to a totally saccharine non-canon version of the Hunsford proposal.

  Chapter 16: Bennet recalls his past and gives his consent.

  Chapter 17: Thomas Bennet reveals their fortune to the Ladies Jane and Elizabeth.

  Chapter 18: Bennet discovers some eavesdropping and remembers young love.

  Chapter 19: Wicked schemes and a night at the opera.

  Chapter 20: Maria Lucas confesses to what she has overheard.

  Chapter 21: A carriage ride home from the ball.

  Chapter 22: Bennet goes to London to search for Wickham, and his identity is revealed.

  Chapter 23: Lady Catherine has her say, while causing a great delay.

  Chapter 24: Lady Elizabeth’s courage rises with every attempt to intimidate her.

  Chapter 25: Our heroes catch a cad and finally bring him to justice.

  Chapter 26: Longbourn’s true heir is discovered.

  Chapter 27: A double wedding takes place.

  Epilogue: A third wedding.

  Author’s Note

  Acknowledgments

  If you asked my mom what this section of the book would look like, she’d laugh and say something that included the phrase “motor mouth.” And with that in mind, I sheepishly thought, well, I’ll just write a brief list and be done with it. However, back in the days when I was seduced by the world of the high-powered businesswoman, I wrote a lot of legal-ish things, and was warned not to write lists because, if you left something out, you were apt to be screwed. But those were the practical days, and whimsy and gratitude make me want to commit those ideas to fertilizer.

  So here’s the short list of those who deserve a novel’s worth of accolades: the beta team of Louise, Beth, Karin, IslandGirl and Cassandra who helped me pull out the fiancés and parasols in the serial publication of the original story; my first real fangirl team, the Chat Chits, who are truly the best cheerleading squad ever; the professionals at Meryton Press and especially my editor, Gail Warner, whose words always seem to have a hug in them; the dedicated readers at A Happy Assembly, whose enthusiasm made me so proud of this story that I became willing to share it with more than the online, Jane Austen fan fiction community; and of course, Jane Austen herself, whose snarkiness changed my life.

  My most heartfelt thanks go out to my men: my husband, who encouraged me through something he couldn’t always understand but sensed was good for me, and my fuzzy-headed little boys, who always seem to be curled up around me and the laptop.

  But more than all that, rather than give thanks to those who made the book possible, in an absurd way, I’d like to do the opposite and thank Alias Thomas Bennet. This book gave me my life back.

  Dedication

  To my husband,

  who is more like Lord Shelton than Mr. Darcy.

  Prologue

  July 1782

  Gloucestershire

  The dust cloud could be seen from some distance, a single disruption in the sweeping view from the garden. As it approached the house, the young man drew it to the attention of his companions. Rising to see where it was headed, the two men realised it was likely an express rider to their home and wondered what could be so urgent.

  The family was sitting in the shade in respite from the unbearable heat wave and dry spell that had persisted for weeks. The master made to ready himself for company as he had removed his coat and neck cloth some hours earlier. The younger man touched his father’s arm to halt his preparations and politely offered to greet the courier and collect the missive. The gentleman smiled and granted permission to his son, followed by an admonition from his mother to heed the horse’s hooves lest he be endangered. The young man rolled his eyes. He was taller than his father, but sometimes she still treated him like a child.

  He walked slowly to meet the rider. The incessant energy from the sun beating down upon him was almost overwhelming, and he pitied the poor rider his hours in the unrelenting heat. As he waited at the gate, the messenger dismounted and handed over the express post. The young man gave instructions to the groom to care for the horse and directed the courier towards the kitchen for some much-needed refreshment. Then he returned to the shade and passed the missive to his father.

  “Pray, what news do we have that is so urgent?” the lady of the house asked of her husband as she saw his grave expression upon reading the letter. His pallor despite the heat told her the news was not good.

  “It is from a Mr. Storey in Bristol. There has been a dreadful carriage accident, mayhap involving highwaymen. We must go thither at once. It was bad—very bad. Edward was grievously hurt. Rose did not survive.”

  “Oh, dear God, what about little Fanny?” his wife gasped through her tears.

  “She is well, and with the nurse and Mrs. Storey at the house. Mr. Storey writes that Edward asks for us to send help to Bristol post-haste. The note does not indicate the nature of his injuries, only that they are grave. He is under the care of a doctor, and I expect a long recovery period. My dear, you and I must go to attend my cousin and little Fanny.”

  “Father, will I be accompanying you and Mama?” asked Thomas Bennet.

  “No, son, we may be a long while, and you are to Cambridge in a fortnight. This will not be a pleasant visit. Mary dear, please see to the packing, and I’ll go about readying the carriage.”

  Chapter 1:

  We meet our protagonists in the Bennet family.

  September 1811

  Longbourn, Hertfordshire

  “Mr. Bennet, Mr. Bennet! Netherfield Park has been let at last!”

  Thomas Bennet stood from behind his desk, excused himself from the meeting with his steward, and calmly went in the direction of his wife’s voice. He found her in the hall as the footman took her bonnet and cloak.

  His wife was still quite beautiful for sev
en-and-thirty years. Although it was true she had taken on the more buxom figure of a woman who had borne children and her fair skin was now flushed in her excited state, she had a surprisingly youthful appearance. Her golden tresses held only one or two white hairs, and her vanity about her looks showed in the way she rarely wore a cap and took great delight in dresses that complimented her complexion.

  He smiled as he saw her glowing face and gently placed her hand on his arm.

  “Come, my darling. Let us sit so you can calm yourself and catch your breath. Then you can tell me your news.” He walked her into the parlour and seated himself next to her on the divan.

  “Oh, Thomas, my dear, a single, rich man has taken Netherfield Park. I must rework the girls’ gowns to make them more fashionable and write to Madeleine and ask her to send some dress lengths of my brother’s finest silks! I must have the girls fitted with new slippers! I must discuss a meal with at least two courses with cook! I must . . . ” Mrs. Bennet chattered on in excitement.

  “Shhh, Shhh, Fanny,” Mr. Bennet hushed as he gently took his wife’s hands and looked tenderly into her cornflower blue eyes. She smiled and calmed the moment she saw his dark eyes fixed upon her. Her heart was captured by the softness of his regard, and she relished the interlude of gentle mutual admiration shared by a couple who had been in love for many years.

  A moment later, five lovely girls, aged fifteen to two-and-twenty, gracefully entered the parlour, smiling sweetly as they saw their parents. Sensible to the tender scene, they waited discreetly with their greetings, each quietly taking a seat. Their parents did not release their hold on each other’s eyes or the gentle contact of their hands.

  When he was assured his wife was calm and her attention was on him, Mr. Bennet asked softly, “Now, my dear, how may we help you?”

  “Husband, a young man has let Netherfield Park. If you were to make his acquaintance, your easy manners would recommend him to the gentlemen of Meryton society and assist him in being well settled. Also, Thomas, it would please me very much to offer our hospitality in honouring the gentleman and his party with a welcome dinner at Longbourn.”

  “That is very gracious of you, my dear. My, my, I am very pleased. It is to the advantage of the neighbourhood to have Netherfield Park occupied again and ever so interesting to make a new acquaintance. But I am curious to know more about this fellow. Perhaps one of my daughters has some intelligence to reveal to her father?” He turned to the girls with a smile, his eyes twinkling in anticipation.

  “Papa, his name is Mr. Bingley,” his youngest offered. “He is a single man in his twenties from the North. He is his own master with his father’s fortune made through trade and is planning to become landed. His party is arriving in a se’ennight. His sister will be the mistress of his house, and they will bring several companions from Town with them.”

  Her manner of speaking was all that was proper and ladylike, but her eyes shone, and she fidgeted with a handkerchief as she spoke, belying an attempt to hide her enthusiasm for sharing the news. She was the child most like her mother, gregarious and lively, always eager to glean information and pass it on to delight their neighbours, though her good breeding ensured she was discreet about what she shared.

  “Well, then, I shall call on him as soon as we know he is comfortably entrenched at Netherfield Park. Will that make my ladies happy?”

  “Yes, Papa, most certainly,” the eldest daughter replied. “If he is agreeable, our neighbours would be quite delighted to have the company of Mr. Bingley and his party at the autumn assembly in Meryton. It would provide him with the opportunity to meet many of our society. Perhaps you might offer an invitation when you call.”

  “What a thorough report on one who is not yet settled in our county, and such interest in entertaining this Mr. Bingley!” He turned his amused face towards his wife. “Tell me, my dear Fanny, do you have your eye on this young man for one of our daughters, sight unseen?” Mr. Bennet smiled at her, and she glanced downward in a coquettish manner then flicked her smiling eyes back to meet his.

  “Why of course, Mr. Bennet. We have three who are eligible, and all my girls deserve a rich, handsome, young gentleman for a husband!”

  “So he is also handsome?”

  “Yes, Mrs. Nicholls, the housekeeper at Netherfield Park, says he is the handsomest young man she has ever seen, and so agreeable!” Not a moment later, she frowned and continued, “But if he turns out to be a rogue, then someone else’s daughter may have him! My girls are still in the first bloom of youth and so very beautiful and accomplished, they need only consider the best of suitors. Not like Charlotte Lucas, who is set to be a spinster and is so plain!”

  “Mama!” a chorus of five responded, and all shared in the laughter.

  “Well, there I go letting my tongue free to do its uncivil damage. I must pray for forgiveness of the sin of pride and be charitable to my neighbours. I will own Miss Lucas is as lovely a young woman as any of you. Her intimacy with our family will be sure to throw her in the paths of suitable men.”

  The seven Bennets continued a lively discussion regarding the past occupants of Netherfield Park and their anticipation of making the acquaintance of the Bingleys and their friends. They teased and jested about the matchmaking.

  In truth, Mrs. Bennet’s excitement grew from her busy mind, which had immediately begun planning all the parties and finery requiring the attention of a mother of five delightful young ladies whose company was certain to be most sought after by their new neighbours. Mrs. Bennet was a social being who relished opportunities to interact with others, and she was known as a pleasant and generous hostess. The pending arrival of the Netherfield party allowed her to immerse herself in the duties and responsibilities she felt were put upon her capable shoulders as a most respected member of the Meryton community.

  Mrs. Bennet also enjoyed designing subtle interpretations on the latest in fashion and, with her daughters’ help, often reworked their gowns into masterpieces that would be admired even in London. She declared herself to have the best part of the proficiency of the finest modistes in the county and shared the enthusiasm for pleasing new attire with her five daughters. She took great pride in her ability to use their income to its best advantage, sensible to the importance of ensuring each daughter had the best opportunities towards attracting suitors who could provide an advantageous marriage. While typical of most society mothers in her attempts to make eligible matches for her girls, equally important in her eyes was their felicity.

  The estate the Bennet family called home was Longbourn in Hertfordshire. It had been inherited by Mr. Bennet through an entailment to the male line some eighteen years past. Longbourn generated an income of £3,000 a year, providing a comfortable life for a country gentleman with five unmarried daughters. In addition, Mr. Bennet had other income from lands in Gloucestershire and investments in Bermuda. It was common knowledge in the neighbourhood that, although none of the girls would inherit their home, the income from Mr. Bennet’s other holdings, and some additional investments made possible by Mrs. Bennet’s economy, would supplement the girls’ rather small settlements and provide security for Mrs. Bennet’s lifetime should Mr. Bennet leave her a widow.

  The Bennets found their country life in Hertfordshire rather agreeable. Longbourn was close to the village of Meryton where Mr. Philips, a solicitor married to Mrs. Bennet’s half-sister, had his practice. Aunt Philips’s home was a regular stop on trips to Meryton, which occurred almost daily. Mrs. Philips was the heart of all gossip in Meryton, so it was always interesting to visit her and learn the latest goings-on in their small community. The Philipses had no children, so their aunt doted on all the girls and often hosted card parties to give the family opportunities to enjoy the company of other young people.

  Although Mr. Bennet had no interest in spending time in London, Mrs. Bennet’s much younger half-brother lived in Town. The year each Bennet girl came out, the young Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner welcomed her and Mrs. Benne
t to their home for part of a London Season. However, at their father’s insistence, they attended only smaller balls, private parties and the occasional visit to the theatre, in keeping with the family’s financial circumstances.

  Mr. Bennet was a quiet man, well educated with a love of books and learning. He was a generous master, accommodating landlord and industrious landowner. He was also very interested in the newest advances and applied them wholeheartedly to the farming practices on the estate. As a result, he had increased the income of his estate, and he was able to enlarge the house a few years past. He was firm in his principles but also loving and encouraging to his family.

  Since Mr. Bennet enjoyed his daughters’ company in his pursuit of knowledge and love of intellectual conversation, all the Bennet girls had received a superior, if perhaps unconventional, education at home. As the young ladies matured, the Longbourn parlour increasingly played host to lively discussions of politics, literature, philosophy, and current events, and the reading aloud of poetry, plays and even novels. The Bennet girls were sometimes teasingly referred to as bluestockings by their friends, though their pleasing manners ensured they were included in all of the society and enjoyment due any young woman of gentle breeding.

  Mr. Bennet had brought a highly intelligent Bermudan family back to England after an extended visit there in his younger years. Mr. Akuete, originally from a family of the first circles in Nigeria, was an unpaid labourer in a shipyard prior to Mr. Bennet employing him and his wife as servants. Mr. Bennet had seen uncommon intelligence in Mr. Akuete, so he befriended the young man and spent evenings in his study teaching him a basic education. Akuete showed voracity for learning and, in turn, educated his equally interested wife. When Mr. Bennet discovered this, he quickly decided to offer them both the best education possible given the existing societal restraints. Mr. Akuete was to learn all the skills necessary to become a steward while Mrs. Akuete acted as governess to the girls until their father took over their education on more complex subjects.