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A Man on a Mission
by Megan
March 2003, Firthness Challenge Entry
Rated PG
From the Personal Journal of the Rector of Hunsford
Hunsford Parsonage near Rosings Park, Kent,
England
March 22, 1812
No sooner had I returned from my morning excursion to Rosings Park, to inquire
about my dear noble patroness' health, and that of her daughter, Anne deBourgh,
who is unfortunately of a sickly constitution, which has prevented her being
presented at court, and deprived the British court of its brightest ornament, as
I never fail to mention when the opportunity arises (you might want to take up
my habit of occasionally writing down such little compliments which are always
acceptable to ladies, and which, if you follow my example, may easily be written
down on little cards and memorised on the walk to and from my noble patroness'
estate, as is my wont) and the presentation of this Sunday's topic for a sermon,
than my dear Charlotte alerted me to the arrival of a carriage neither too
fashionable nor too humble, and therefore eminently suitable for a man of Sir
William Lucas' position in society, for to this noble gentleman belonged said
carriage, which was at that moment stopping in front of my our humble
abode; a carriage which, as you might have inferred already, contained no other
than my dear noble father-in-law, always a welcome addition to our family party,
and a very fine example of a gentleman of noble rank and station in life; my
young and universally charming sister Mariah Lucas, who, no doubt, has profited
much from the influence of her sister, of whose company she is now deprived due
to her having become my wife; and my cousin, Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn.
You might perhaps think that I would bear some sort of resentment against Miss
Bennet, who has refused my kind offer so, yes, I dare say, ungraciously, but I
assure you that you could not be more wrong. Forgiveness, I often point out to
my dear Charlotte, is the soul of Christianity, and thus who to be more devoted
to it than myself, a minister and proprietor of Christian charity? No, indeed,
any slight I might have felt once, a long time ago, at Miss Bennet's refusal, I
have overcome a thousandfold in the meantime, not least because she, albeit
unwittingly, has been the means of uniting me and my most beloved wife. Yes, not
only do I not begrudge Miss Bennet her decision, but I also feel it incumbent on
me, in my position not only as her cousin, but also in my connection to the
noble family of deBourgh, to try and make all possible amends to Miss Bennet.
After all, I do believe that time has made evident to Miss Bennet what I was
already able to point out to her when I visited Longbourn; namely, that it was
by no means certain that she would ever receive another offer of marriage in her
lifetime.
Influenced by my dear Charlotte's charity (oh, how well that sounds, you must
excuse me, for I am to write it down in my little book of quotes immediately)
yes, as I said, influenced by my wife's charity, I feel it is the least I
can do to secure a position for Miss Bennet with her accomplishments, it
should not be too difficult to find her a post as a governess, or maybe even a
lady's companion; for in the grievous event of her father's death, the members
of her family must find means to provide for themselves and their mother as soon
as may be. I shall try to introduce the topic gently while Miss Bennet is our
guest at Hunsford, and maybe, if I am very fortunate, and with the aid of Lady
Catherine's experience, I may even be able to secure a post for my cousin! For
only last week has Lady Catherine herself found Miss Pope, a poor spinster with
no connections and little to recommend her, a position at no other than Lady
Metcalfe's!
But, as my dear Charlotte sometimes chides me, I fear I am rambling, and
therefore let me summarise the events after Sir William's carriage arrived at
Hunsford Parsonage. In keeping with my charitable intentions, I had selected our
second best bedroom for Miss Bennet (the best, of course, was reserved for my
dear father-in-law, whose age alone, if not his position, secured him the most
comfortable arrangements possible), and I am so fortunate as to be able to
report that she fully appreciated the thoughtfulness of Lady Catherine that had
gone into the design of this room's closet. I am full of hope that all is
not lost with Miss Elizabeth Bennet yet. While my wife entertained cousin
Elizabeth, I showed my dear father and sister my humble garden, not failing, of
course, to point out the condescension Lady Catherine has shown me in advising
me on the only right way to prune the dogrose bushes that separate my humble
garden from the splendours of Rosings Park.
During dinner, I started carrying out my plan in full earnest, beginning by
dropping subtle hints about Miss Bennet's future, inquiring about her father's
health (I am sorry to say that neither Miss Bennet nor my dear Charlotte seemed
to fully grasp the importance of these questions, for where Miss Bennet
described to me his continued good appetite and merry disposition, my dear
Charlotte tried several times to change the subject I must make a mental
note to talk to her this evening about my plan, for I fear her natural ...
innocence... may tempt her to, however unwittingly, thwart my plans) and the
prospects of her sisters (which, I am sorry to say, led to similar reactions
from my wife and my cousin). Well, I am not a man to be easily discouraged,
and tomorrow, when we are all invited to tea at Rosings, I will start a
conversation with Lady Catherine about governesses, for I know that she has much
to say on this subject so dear to her heart, due to the unfortunately delicate
health of her own noble daughter and I hope that Miss Bennet will then begin
to grasp the seriousness of the situation.
Hunsford Parsonage near Rosings Park, Kent,
England
March 23, 1812
Today, on my morning walk to Rosings, I made a most unexpected, indeed, a most
gratifying discovery, for you can easily imagine my surprise two
gentlemen had come to stay with my dear noble patroness, Lady Catherine deBourgh
her two nephews, both excellent men, I am sure; Mr Darcy, whom I had already
met in Hertfordshire, and, I am fortunate to report, whom I had on that occasion
paid an invaluable service by informing him about his aunt's continued excellent
health; and Colonel Fitzwilliam, the younger son of the Earl of Matlock, who, I
am sure, will also prove to be a most pleasant addition to our society, even
though the profession of a military man is not normally compatible with that of
the clergy but, as I flatter myself, I am a man who can adapt himself to
every society, be it high or low, gentility or militia. Furthermore, I have
found out that these two gentlemen are the legal guardians of Miss Darcy, Mr
Darcy's younger sister, a charming young lady as Lady Catherine assured me, and
I believe that they will have much to say on the topic of lady's companions.
Afternoon tea, I am displeased to note, was not entirely compatible with my
intentions. Lady Catherine herself, in her immeasurable condescension, provided
an excellent introduction to the topic at hand by asking Miss Bennet about the
number, age, and prospects of her sisters; but, I now begin to see, my
interference was not appropriate at that time at all. Indeed, afternoon tea is
probably not the best of times to introduce such a delicate topic as the
governance of young ladies of social standing, seeing as both Miss deBourgh and
her companion, Mrs Jenkinson, were in attendance, and either of the two, though
I am sure both are very sympathetic for my plight, could perhaps take offence at
my mentioning such a subject. Yes, Lady Catherine was absolutely right to quell
my natural enthusiasm for this topic; I will rather try and draw Miss Bennet and
Mr Darcy into conversation on the gentleman's announced visit to my humble
abode.
Hunsford Parsonage near Rosings Park, Kent,
England
March 24, 1812
It is with deep regret that I note that Mr Darcy did not react as planned to my
mentioning of the search for suitable governesses and ladies' companions. I
commenced with asking him about the health of his dear sister, albeit unknown to
me, and from thence put forth the question of what one should look for when
selecting a governess or ladies' companion; this all, of course, in keeping with
my plan to first, make Miss Bennet aware of this possible means of occupation
for herself and maybe also one or two of her sisters, and second, to inform her
of the accomplishments she might be asked to demonstrate. It is, of course,
only to Mr Darcy's credit that he chose not to discuss this topic openly in
front of Miss Bennet, as the lady in question might be offended when her
possible lack of accomplishments is brought to her notice; still, I would not
have expected such a violent reaction from both, Mr Darcy and Colonel
Fitzwilliam when I hinted at the references a lady's companion must be asked to
procure. Both gentlemen, all of a sudden, looked decidedly pale and unwell, and
soon changed the topic altogether. -- Well, it only speaks in favour of those
gentlemen's decency and sense of honour to postpone talk on the subject.
Hunsford Parsonage near Rosings Park, Kent,
England
March 27, 1812
This day, I am unhappy to report, has shown very little progression in my
mission to secure an establishment for Miss Bennet. The time Lady Catherine had
reserved so graciously for conversation with me and during which she bestowed
the most invaluable information on me, her humble servant, was, by necessity, to
the largest part filled with the impending Easter services I will have the
honour to perform. Indeed, with a topic of such overwhelming importance to
discuss, Miss Bennet's plight must be put off for the time being.
Hunsford Parsonage near Rosings Park, Kent,
England
March 29, 1812
This morning, Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam again called on my dear Charlotte
and myself, just after I had set out for my morning's walk to Rosings Park. At
their insistence that I could not let Lady Catherine wait, I was pleasantly
reminded of the gentlemen's thoughtfulness, but assured them that Lady Catherine
was far from demanding that punctuality in her subjects that she herself adheres
to. Thus, I was able to spend a pleasant hour in the company of the two
gentlemen. Today, luck shone on my humble self, and I was able to procure a tκte-ΰ-tκte
with Mr Darcy himself! When the gentleman moved towards the window to admire my
beehives which shows good taste as well as such condescension which he has,
without doubt, learned from his noble aunt, my dear patroness I immediately
noticed his approving glance and offered him a tour through Hunsford's gardens.
Mr Darcy naturally was startled at my speedy reaction (it is, I am fortunate to
note, a great talent of mine to observe social situations, adapt myself quickly
and react most expediently to my guests' behaviour), but expressed his thanks by
a solemn move of his head. In the gardens, I had the most enlightening
conversation with the gentleman himself, which I am far too overwhelmed to
summarise, so I shall just give it in its entirety:
Me (after having laid the foundations for further conversation by discussing
with him my methods of pruning, breeding, and the only correct way to keep bees,
which Lady Catherine has been so kind as to point out to me): Mr Darcy, you can
be at no loss as regards the matter I want to talk to you about...
Mr Darcy: Indeed?
Me: It concerns, as you must have guessed by now, the future of my dear cousin,
Miss Bennet.
Mr Darcy: Indeed?
Me: Yes, for I am sorry to say that her prospects for the future are severely
limited...
(Mr Darcy looked quite shocked at this; is it possible that he was not aware of
the entailment of Mr Bennet's estate?)
Mr Darcy: Indeed?
Me: Therefore, I have made it my mission to try and secure Miss Bennet's future
for her and you, as a gentleman, can be no loss as to why I am applying to
your kindness in this matter; for I dare say that Sir William Lucas himself has
introduced the topic to you once in conversation...
Mr Darcy: Indeed, has he?
(The gentleman looked very agitated by now; was he already contemplating ways to
help Miss Bennet? Such condescension can only be inherited from his aunt!)
Me: Yes, I am quite sure. And therefore, I shall not mention such a delicate
subject again, but merely rely on your and your aunt's kindness and
condescension, and put Miss Bennet's future safely in your collective hands.
Mr Darcy, at this, made an incomprehensible grunt, hastily took his leave and
departed for Rosings, no doubt to discuss the topic further with his aunt. Such
condescension, in both nephew and aunt! I and Miss Bennet, of course, how
could I forget her, even for a moment? -- am most fortunate indeed!
Hunsford Parsonage near Rosings Park, Kent,
England
April 9, 1812
The strain of Easter service finally lifted from my shoulders, I resolved during
breakfast to finally broach the subject with Miss Bennet and inform, albeit
subtly, my dear cousin on the endeavours I have undertaken in her name and for
her sake. I have not the least doubt that, once acquainted with the entirety of
the situation, Miss Bennet will not know how to express her thankfulness and,
indeed, in all likelihood, feel quite faint at finding herself so indebted with
the man she once but, it does not do to reflect on the past, but instead I
have occupied my morning much better, namely in preparing my reaction to Miss
Bennet's overwhelming gratitude. Naturally, I chose an unprepared expression of
kind condescension, such as I have spent hours copying from my dear noble
patroness, who is a paragon of kind demeanour in every situation therefore,
not much remains for me than to say that I will presently acquaint the dear
ignorant Miss Bennet of all that I have done to help her situation.
(Later)
I am most seriously displeased, as I am sure my dear noble patroness will be once she has been acquainted with the news, that my cousin Miss Bennet has met with a sudden bout of headache. I had asked her on a walk to inspect my humble gardens, during which walk I pointed out the seriousness of her situation, the advanced age of her father, as well as the dire prospects of her or her sisters' ever forming a respectable alliance. I am very sorry to say it, but I fear that Miss Bennet's impertinence of manner will not only prevent her from ever marrying, but may equally prevent her ever finding a situation in a reputable household. I can only agree with Lady Catherine (although it naturally pains me to offend the excellent Mrs Bennet), who has always reminded her own most excellent daughter that inattention of a mother is a sure path to impropriety in the daughter.
Not long after our talk, Miss Bennet expressed a wish to become closer acquainted with Rosings' gardens and park, and she left the house on one of her customary walks. I cannot say that I condone such frequent physical activity in a female, but on this occasion, her leaving the house was the most appropriate behaviour.
It is without doubt that I can relate that my words must have set Miss Bennet
thinking, for upon her return from her walk (for once the walk was of an
appropriate length for the daughter of a gentleman such as Mr Bennet) she
claimed a headache, which, I was displeased to notice, prevented her dining at
Rosings with us this evening. I can only hope that Miss Bennet will occupy her
time with meditation on her situation and my offer of securing her a post in the
North of England (with the kind help of Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, who, I
am sure, will not refuse to help me once they have been acquainted with the
seriousness of the situation) although how I shall explain Miss Bennet's
absence to Lady Catherine, I shudder to imagine.
Hunsford Parsonage near Rosings Park, Kent,
England
April 10, 1812
As a man of the church, I cannot but be ashamed of the thoughts I have been
harbouring in my breast, but I feel I must bare them here, since they are so
closely connected with the events of the previous fortnight. But let me relate
the events this morning has brought:
Firstly, cousin Elizabeth has yet again ventured out on a walk as we (my dear Charlotte, Mariah, and I) were partaking of breakfast. I tried to inform Miss Bennet of the importance of breakfast (as Lady Catherine often remarks, A day without breakfast is like a fish without a—no, wait, I have written it down somewhere), but an unfortunately timed bite off a sausage (which my dear Charlotte has Cook prepare to a delicious wholesomeness) prevented my doing so. As it is, my cousin started out on her walk without a bite to eat. I hope this will never reach the ears of Lady Catherine, as she would reproach me most forcefully for my obvious shortcomings as a host.
During Miss Bennet's prolonged absence (I have to retain a morsel of hope that she was spending the time meditating on my proposals), Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam came calling on us to take their leave. I cannot but think that something was afoot, as Mr Darcy left shortly thereafter, while the Colonel waited for over half an hour for Miss Bennet's return – I dare say that the gentlemen had come expressly to discuss Miss Bennet's future with her. But, I am most displeased to note, Miss Bennet failed to appear within the half-hour, and therefore probably murdered any expectation she could ever have had of a secure position in the first stages of its infanthood!
It is not in my disposition to bear grudges or appear self-righteous, or, Heaven
forbid, be seen gloating, but in this case, I must say, it serves Miss Bennet
right! Her impertinence has done little for her to deserve the condescension and
thoughtful kindness that Lady Catherine, Mr Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and
myself have shown her. It is with pleasing satisfaction that I am able to
note that Miss Bennet, on returning from her prolonged walk, at which she was
immediately informed by my sister Mariah of the gentlemen's call, did look very
thoughtful indeed. Maybe upon returning to the reality of Longbourn Miss Bennet
will come to appreciate all that I have done for her. No, I do not expect
any overt demonstration of gratefulness, it is enough for me to know that I have
been able to help a fellow human in distress! However, I retain the hope that
one day, in years to come, Miss Bennet will look back on her time spent at
Hunsford Parsonage and be able to admit that, yes, her visit as well as a
certain gentleman have changed her life forever.
Copyright held by Megan - 2003
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