The Great Bonfire

by Terie

October 2003, Witching Hour Challenge

Rated PG

Author's Note: Alright here is my second time at writing here. You were all so nice in your comments about my very first story and when I saw the challenge, this idea popped into my head so I am submitting this for the October challenge. It is just a bit of fun and I hope you all find it amusing.

It all begins when the hot bright time of summer with its long days, heavy heat, and droning of bees turns to autumn bringing its shorter days, cooler weather, and the crunching of leaves on the ground. Autumn at Pemberley is a particular favorite time of year that is much anticipated by its occupants. One might wonder why anticipate autumn over winter with Christmas and holiday parties or Spring with Easter, May Day, and the social activities of the season. Even Summer which gives plenty of time for outdoor sport and picnics by the pond does not receive the anticipation that autumn does. If you were to ask the inhabitants, the response would vary between the adults and the children. The Master and Mistress will tell you autumn is a time to remember first meetings, declarations of love, and commitments made. They would talk of the beauty of the autumn colors, of long walks in cooler weather together, and friends and family coming for visits. The children will tell you autumn is a time for hot apple cider, warm delicious doughnuts, and The Great Bonfire.

The origins of this much anticipated event are shrouded in mystery. The children are unable to give facts to this mystery as it began before they were born. The gentlemen when asked will squirm slightly, cough, and mumble some reply and the ladies will blush, smile, and get a small twinkle in their eyes. These reactions occur each year when inevitably one of the children, either a Darcy or one of their guests, will ask the question, “how did The Great Bonfire celebration start?” The answer is always a vague reply telling nothing. Since the children are taught to respect their elders, this answer is accepted without question but never really satisfactory. This year was no exception.

As in all the previous years, the topic is not referred to again at the table but is always brought up in separate discussions when the ladies and gentlemen part after dinner. In the study over port and cigars the gentlemen’s discussion begins. This particular year Bradley Danforth, the husband of the former Miss Georgiana Darcy, asked the inevitable, “say Darcy, the bonfire tradition has been around for several years now has it not?”

“Yes, Danforth,” replied Darcy. “This year will mark the tenth year we have had the annual bonfire.”

“Well, I just realized tonight that I do not know the origins of this annual event. When it has been brought up in the past, all I hear is an argument between Bingley, Fitz, and you. The argument is never resolved and the question is never answered. I think I am overdue an answer to this perplexing question.”

“There is not much to tell. Fitz decided to burn a pile of leaves and drink a brandy after dinner. From there our annual festivity began,” Darcy replied in a very succinct manner.

“Oh, come now Darcy,” piped in Bingley. “That is simplifying it a bit much. There was a whole discussion that led up to that burning pile of leaves in addition to two other fires outside that night.”

“Wait a minute, no one mentioned other fires,” exclaimed Danforth.
“Gentlemen, before this gets out of hand and we have another argument, allow me to set the story straight.” The three gentlemen involved in this discussion turn to look at the fourth one who made this last comment. Richard Fitzwilliam, former colonel, rose to replenish his drink as he spoke. “You see Danforth, it all started when we were reminiscing about when we were younger. Darcy and I would spend the day fishing and then at night when there was a full moon, we would build a bonfire, cook the fish, and try to scare each other senseless by telling ghost stories. An argument arose as to who built the better fires back then. I of course maintain to this day that it was me. Darcy insisted it was him and not to be left out of the discussion, Bingley threw in the fact that he made an excellent bonfire. I issued a challenge and the three of us repaired to the outdoors where we proceeded to each build our own bonfire.”

“So, you are saying you each built a bonfire and that you, Fitz won and that was what started this entire day of festivity?”

“No,” exclaimed Darcy. “There was never a declared winner. Fitz just assumes it was him.”

“Well, it certainly wasn’t Bingley. His got doused before it got going,” replied Richard.

“Yes, and both of yours ran together and almost got out of control,” charged Bingley.

“They did not get out of control!” both of the offended gentlemen cried out together.

“After we got the fires going,” continued Darcy, “the ladies came out on the lawn. We decided it would be pleasant to sit around the combined fires and partake of refreshments. Bingley had to dry off anyway as he got wet when the groundskeeper came running with a bucket of water when he thought the lawn was on fire. Fitz thought it would be fun to tell ghost stories and he proceeded to regale us with several tales. From there it has developed into our annual party. Now gentlemen, I believe it is time we rejoin the ladies.” With that said, Darcy headed for the music room where he knew he would find his wife and the other ladies.

Danforth was still not satisfied with the answers he received. He firmly believed there was more to the story than the other three gentlemen were letting on but was unsure how to procure more information. Maybe a few discreet questions to his wife might glean more information.

In the music room the same topic was being discussed by the ladies. Although the topic was the same, the details were quite revealing.

“Lizzy,” asked her sister Jane. “I don’t understand why the gentlemen are uncomfortable with a discussion of the origins of our annual autumn party. I know it may seem a bit embarrassing to admit you were outside seeing who could build a better bonfire but I don’t think it is enough to make them put off answering the question.”

“Oh, Jane, there is more to it than that. It is what led up to the bonfire competition that has them squirming. Don’t you remember what it was like here the whole day, particularly before lunch. I know William does not like me to recall that conversation.”

“What conversation are you talking about? I don’t remember anything before lunch except Charles mumbling about tree climbing.”

At this point all the ladies chuckled softly as they recalled that fateful day. “Elizabeth, I must admit that conversation in the drawing room could be a bit embarrassing. I can not remember William ever saying something so shocking in a group setting before,” add Georgiana.

“I am still at a loss as to what this conversation is referring to,” replied Jane with a frown.

“Georgiana, were you in the room at the time? I did not see you,” queried Elizabeth.

“Yes, Elizabeth, although I was not officially in the room. As I recall, I was at the door because one of the maids had stopped to ask me a question. I was just about to enter when the discussion broke out. I heard it from the doorway.”

“Of course you would be able to hear Georgiana,” commented Anne Fitzwilliam , formerly de Bourgh.

“No one can miss hearing Richard when he is spouting off and if I remember correctly he was in pretty high spirits that day.”

“For sure he was,” replied Elizabeth. “You two had just returned from your honeymoon, newly married, and very much in love. Richard was on top of the world. By the way Georgiana, whatever you do, do not let William know you heard. He will be complete mortified if he knew.”

“All right,” interjected Jane. “I am competely confused and totally in the dark. I do not remember this pre-lunch conversation nor do I even remember being in the drawing room at the time.”

“That is right Jane, you were not,” replied Elizabeth with a dawning look in her eyes. “ I remember now. You and Charles had been here a few days and had just found out you were expecting Robert. You were so ill that you had trouble getting out of bed before noon. I, on the other hand, had just passed that stage with George and was entering the time when I ate everything in sight. You were still upstairs in your chamber when Anne and Richard arrived. Charles had come down to greet the arrivals and tell us you would be down by lunch. We all went to the drawing room to await the call to lunch when the conversation you missed occurred.”

“Well now that we all know where I was, could someone please enlighten me on what was said. It is obvious Charles neglected to fill me in on this conversation.”

“Oh, let me tell this one,” chimed in Anne with a big smile on her face. “It actually began before we even arrived. All their lives there has been this friendly rivalry between Richard and William and they have never outgrown it. They deny it of course, but it does exist. Anyway, once I accepted Richard’s proposal, he and his father firmly convinced my mother that she should retire to the dowager house. It was agreed that she could take anything she wanted from Rosings so she would feel more at home. One of the things she took was her barouch box which Richard and I were very glad to get rid of. Richard felt we needed to update our mode of transportation and so right before the wedding he purchased a brand new coach and team. He was quite proud of the coach and as he put it, the horses were a rival for any team found at Pemberly. I should have know trouble was coming with that remark.

The minute we arrived he began to show off his new acquisitions to Charles and William. This conversation was the beginning of the debate. Both William and Charles challenged the claim of having the best in coaches and horses. This was followed by a debate on estate tenants, furnishings of their homes, and butlers and all this was going on before we reached the interior of the house. By the time we reached the drawing room their debate had hit a fevered pitch. Richard, who is always one to push someone on, was in his element but I don’t think even he realized how far things had gotten when their claims took such a personal turn. I seriously doubt Richard or William would have said what they did if they had not realized we could all hear their discussion.

Richard had been bragging about having the most satisfied bride and the best honeymoon at which Charles and William both snickered. William then announced that his wife would be the first to have a child as Elizabeth was in her fourth month at which Charles announced that Jane was pregnant also. Not to be outdone, Richard proclaimed that he could get his wife pregnant immediately, have the baby born before either of theirs, and it would be a son. None of them realized at this point we could all hear the conversation. For my part, I was completely mortified. I did not think the comments could get anymore embarrassing but I was wrong. William proceeded to pat Richard on the shoulder and told him that he obviously did not understand the true mechanics of procreation which made William wonder who truly had the most satisfied bride and that Richard should spend his time here at Pemberley observing he and Charles and they would gladly show him how it was done. The room went completely silent. Elizabeth and I could not get any more red and when the gentlemen finally realized where they were, who was listening, and how out of hand the conversation had gotten, they stood there in complete stupefaction.”

“Oh my,” replied Jane. “Charles never said a word about this one. How mortified you both must have been. I can almost see Charles standing there with his mouth open. Richard probably had a smile on his face, but William, oh he must have been in complete shock. He is always so proper.”

“You are fairly accurate in your descriptions Jane,” responded Elizabeth. “Thankfully at that point lunch was announced and Anne, did you not make a comment to the effect that they needed to leave their wives and prospective children out of their competitions and it would be better for them if they stuck to more sporting activities for their games?”
“Yes, I did and I also applied a firm elbow into Richard’s side to drive the point home. Unfortunately, once they regained their composure that is exactly what happened. We saw them horse racing on the grounds, fishing, chess, and cards. I think that is where Charles commented on his tree climbing prowess and out the door they went again. It was like watching three twelve year olds.”

“At least we have a forewarning of what to expect from our three,” commented the ever practical Jane.

“You have to admit that cousin Richard was not too far off on his claim as Ricky is just a year younger than Elizabeth and William’s George,” proclaimed Georgiana with a sly grin.

At this point all four ladies burst into laughter and the gentlemen entered the room. The subject was dropped by all and an evening of music and lively conversation took over.

In the children’s wing of Pemberley the topic of conversation was the same but the direction of this conversation was very different. It was the annual meeting of The Fright Club. The members of this club consisted of four young gentlemen. The leader was George Fitzwilliam Darcy. He was the oldest by several months and the one who formed the club. The other three members were Robert Charles Bingley, Richard Anthony Fitzwilliam, and Bennet Thomas Darcy. Besides being club members and relatives, these four were the best of friends. The goal of the club was to frighten the younger family members, all of which were girls, after the evening of the bonfire. This would mark the club’s third year in existence. George, who is an exact replica of his father in looks but with his Uncle Richard’s personality, thought it would be great fun to scare the girls based on Uncle Richard’s ghost story told around the bonfire.The boys knew that when the girls started screaming in the night, the fright would be blamed on the ghost story and no one would think they would be playing a prank. This thought gave them their ideas for the type of prank to play.

The night before the bonfire the four would meet to confirm that all would participate this year and make sure each one knew their respective assignments.The boys also would recap the previous years exploits and go over any area they may have erred. The actual day of the bonfire would be spent in idea exchange and prop acquisition for possible pranks. Since none of the boys knew the exact story in advance, all of them had to be prepared with several tricks and various ways of carrying out even the most bizarre idea. George and Richard were the chief planners while Robert and Bennet were in charge of collecting various props that could be used.

Tonight’s discussion began with excited agreement by all that the pranks would continue this year. It was confirmed that Bennet had the key that would give them access to the attics. This key had been acquired by George the first year the club was formed and since it was never publicly declared missing the boys kept it hidden in their room. A list of standard items for scaring was drawn up and reviewed. Robert and Bennet would need to make sure that the following were collected and hidden away tomorrow: a candle, an old pair of heavy shoes, an old black cloak, a long white piece of material, a pair of old white gloves, and string from their fishing tackle. All other props would have to be gathered after the bonfire.

Last year’s activities were then reviewed. Uncle Richard’s story really put a fright in the girls and although the story gave the boys shivers at the time, they knew these were just stories and nothing to put any credence to. The story involved a portrait with eyes that moved to follow you around. This story had been a real challenge to the boys. Robert was all for cutting eye holes in a portrait and standing behind it. George had pointed out that beside the fact there was no way in a million he was going to desecrate one of his father’s ancestor’s portraits, getting the girls in the same room and trying to hide behind the portrait would be impossible. It had finally been decided to hook some fishing string to a picture in the girls’ room and make it bang on the wall while moaning and calling softly. This worked real well but they almost got caught trying to unhook the fishing line. It was decided if fishing line was needed, practice throws and releases on a similar object would need to happen. At this point a strong reminder that it was bed time by the their Uncle Richard, who happened to be checking on his two children, ended the meeting.

The next day, excitement rang through Pemberley. After breakfast, contests of all types were put together for the children and even the gentlemen. The ladies thoroughly enjoyed watching all their children compete against each other. By the evening meal everyone was so excited that it was hard to sit still to eat. The servants were setting up for the bonfire and the cook had spent the day making doughnuts and hot apple cider.

As darkness settled, the full moon, a must for the night of The Great Bonfire, was particularly eerie looking. Everyone began to situate themselves around the area and the master of Pemberley lit the bonfire. It sprang to life and burned beautifully. Servants were on hand to pass out refreshments and Richard cleared his throat and began to tell his story. Everyone’s eyes were glued to him as he began to weave his spell on his audience. His wife, Anne, rolled her eyes as she watched her beloved relive childhood dreams. The boys were particularly excited as the tale was about a haunted cottage where a ghostly hand was seen coming through the walls inside along with cries and moans. This years haunting was going to be easy. All they would need is the candle, the white gloves and a couple of entrance spots for their arms. Each of the club members eyed one another with a knowing smile and wink. They did not notice Richard as he watched them signal each other.

Once the fire had burned down and sleepy children tucked into bed, the adults also made their way to their rooms. If the pattern remained the same, sometime during the night they would be woken by screams from a child or two. As they were walking to their rooms, William commented to Richard on the fact that it seemed like it was only the girls that were affected by the stories. Elizabeth, who had heard the comment also, told him it was probably because the boys were older and with that each couple retired to their rooms.

Not two hours later the screams began. Jolted awake, William grabbed his robe and went hurrying to the children’s wing. Lighting a candle he looked in to see the girls huddled together screaming and crying at the top of their lungs. At this point, the rest of the parents joined him in cuddling and reassuring the frightened girls. They all kept babbling about seeing white hands coming through the walls. William rolled his eyes and wondered as to the sanity of this annual ghost story business, as he did each year.

Richard went to check on the boys. They appeared to be half asleep and were inquiring as to all the noise. As Richard explained about the girls fright, he noticed their attempts to refrain from smiling. He was about to put it down to them not wanting to laugh at their sisters’ upset but he happened to notice the fingers of a white glove sticking out of the covers of his son’s bed. With a wink at the boys, he turned to leave, and said, “Next year, boys, remind me to tell you the topic of my ghost story the day before. It will help with your planning.”

Copyright held by Terie - 2003