Welcome to our Pride & Prejudice prequel! P&P: Prelude to Pemberley tells the story of the time leading up to the events of Pride & Prejudice, including what Darcy and Elizabeth were doing and thinking, Georgiana Darcy’s story, the events of Ramsgate, how Mr. Bingley came to lease Netherfield, and much more! Join us on our journey as the Austen Variations authors post the events of 1811 in real time on the date they happened – 214 years in the future.
Out at Last
June 2, 1811
Lydia’s abysmal behavior continued during the remainder of her ‘soft come out.’ Her petulance at having to wait until June infuriated her. Consequently, she deliberately shifted all the attention from Kitty to herself during Kitty’s debut into society.
Mr. Danvers did not return to Longbourn. Elizabeth felt no surprise when they read a wedding announcement in the London papers later that spring. Jane hid her disappointment well, though Elizabeth knew her sister ached from the disappointment.
“I am well, Lizzy,” she said after her younger sister pressed for more information. “Pray, do not worry yourself unduly. If Mr. Danvers could not withstand Lydia’s behavior, then it is a good thing he departed.”
“Surely, he left because he did not wish to connect himself with such a family!” Elizabeth protested. “He liked you, Jane. I am certain of it! Had Lydia not cast doubt—had she not behaved as a hoyden, then he would not have left.”
“Mr. Danvers is his own man. Not everyone judges our family based on the poor behavior of a few members.” Jane turned away, a sure sign that the conversation was at an end.
Elizabeth did not agree with Jane’s suppositions. The members of the community tolerated the Bennets because they were the principal landowners in the area. At least, they were if one did not count Netherfield Park. That estate had been standing empty for some time since the Robertson family had moved away. The land manager had been seeking a tenant but had yet to find anyone suitable to take it.
Perhaps soon, she mused.
The supper discussion that night was centered around Lydia’s birthday. She would be fifteen in two days, and Mama had planned a grand soiree to celebrate. Elizabeth met her father’s gaze as the conversation at the other end of the table grew louder.
“And I must have at least four courses for supper, Mama,” Lydia commanded. “It is only right, for I shall be the first of my sisters to marry.”
Elizabeth did not see what one thing had to do with another, but she said nothing.
“The modiste sent a note for you to come for a fitting tomorrow, dove,” Mrs. Bennet replied, patting Lydia’s hand. “Ten gowns! Are you not excited?”
“Yes! And I shall wear jeweled pins in my hair. Oh, Mama, it is so very satisfying. After waiting so long, I will finally attend balls and parties.”
Mrs. Bennet giggled. “And you will be the belle of the ball, to be sure!”
Elizabeth watched the conversation with disapproval. Kitty tried to speak once in a while, only to be spoken over by Mrs. Bennet or Lydia. The poor dear looked dejected and finally fell into a petulant silence.
“Will you not listen to reason?” Elizabeth turned an imploring look at her father. “Any fool can see she is not ready to be out. Lydia has stolen all the attention from Kitty these past months. And ten gowns?”
“Your mother’s requests for more funds to outfit Lydia have been met.” Mr. Bennet did not seem at all perturbed. “And Lydia’s actions certainly do not inspire sisterly affection.”
“Is that all you have to say? Papa, she will ruin us.” A clatter of china and a loud exclamation from Lydia punctuated her words. Elizabeth sighed and tried one more time. “We were all required to wait until our seventeenth birthday. Can you not command the same for your youngest?”
“I think not. To do so would upset the delicate balance of Longbourn. Your mother, you see, would protest until I capitulated. Lydia would wail and tantrum until she had her way. Besides, if she is the first to marry, then she will be out of my house that much sooner.”
Her father’s peace had always been of tantamount importance to him. Elizabeth resented it all. How could two grown adults not understand the catastrophe that awaited the Bennet family?
Two days later, they celebrated Lydia’s birthday in grand style. Mama spared no expense for the lavish gathering. All four-and-twenty families came, each bringing a small token of their affection for ‘dear Lydia.’
“This is quite the affair,” Charlotte said, pulling Elizabeth to one side. “How is Kitty managing?”
Mrs. Bennet had only granted poor Kitty a small coming-out party. The Gardiners, the Lucases, the Gouldings, and the Longs had come. She now sat in a corner, arms folded and a look of abject sorrow on her face.
“I expect by tomorrow she and Lydia will be bickering again. For now, they avoid each other.” Elizabeth sighed. “This will not end well. Mark my words.”
“Speaking of… Where is Lydia? I have yet to greet her.” Charlotte looked around the room, eyebrows furrowed as she searched the faces of the guests.
“How strange.” Elizabeth did not see her sister either. “Come. Perhaps she has gone out for air.” The room felt dreadfully crowded and hot. Charlotte followed Elizabeth out the terrace door and into the gardens. They could hear Lydia’s voice coming from somewhere, and they followed it. Mama’s roses were blooming, and the blossoms filled the air with a pleasant aroma. The waning moon was still mostly full, and it illuminated the garden path.
As she and Charlotte rounded the corner, Lydia came into full view. She was not alone. Arnold Goulding, the eldest son of their neighbor, had Lydia wrapped in his arms. She pressed herself against him, her hand in his hair, her lips against his.
“Lydia Bennet!” Elizabeth gasped. “Have you gone mad?” She hurried forward and yanked her sister’s arm.
Arnold Goulding dropped his arms and stepped back, his face flustered. “Good evening, Miss Elizabeth,” he murmured. “I believe I shall—”
“Do not move.” Elizabeth’s growl stopped him in his tracks. He looked chagrined, but not at all guilty. “Have you both lost your senses?” she hissed. “You, a grown man, ought to know better. Are you prepared for the consequences if someone should find out about this?”
Mr. Goulding had the good sense to look panicked as the potential consequences of his actions fell upon him. “I did not mean… there was no…” he spluttered, unable to form a complete sentence.
“Lizzy, you are too prudish. Of course, I knew what I was doing. Did I not say I would be the first of my sisters to marry? Mr. Danvers did not return… more’s the pity. But Arnold will do just as well. He is his father’s heir and likes me very much.”
“Miss Lydia! Forgive me if I… I cannot marry you. It was only a bit of fun.” Mr. Goulding looked positively ill.
Lydia blinked owlishly. “Is that so? Well, then, you are no longer worth my time. Though, I must say, our activities were very pleasurable. I never thought it would be so delightful to be kissed!”
Elizabeth groaned internally and closed her eyes. “You had best leave, Mr. Goulding,” she said resignedly. He did as he was bid, practically running from the garden. Elizabeth turned back to Lydia. “If I have my way, you will no longer be out after this near debacle. It is clear you have no sense of propriety at all. Good heavens, Lydia, your actions affect the whole family, not just your own future! Have a care lest we all be ruined.”
“You are just jealous he did not kiss you on your come out!” Lydia tossed her hair and flounced away without a backwards glance.
“I assure you of my discretion, Elizabeth.” Charlotte’s words made Elizabeth jump. She had quite forgotten her friend’s presence.
“I thank you,” she replied, sighing heavily. “Oh, Charlotte. What will become of us?”
“What indeed. Eliza, you had best find your father and tell all. Maybe he will see sense.”
“It is a wishful thought, but I doubt I shall know success.” They walked back to the house, and Elizabeth found her father hiding in a corner. She leaned down and whispered into his ear, telling him everything. As she suspected, he chuckled instead of acknowledging the seriousness of his daughter’s actions.
“Exposing herself already, eh?” he asked. “Well, perhaps she will be married before Michaelmas! One can only hope.” With that, he returned his attention to his book.
There was nothing more to say. Elizabeth moved away, choosing to leave the party rather than remain and witness her family’s ruin.
2 comments
It has begun as it will end… with Lydia having no thought for the consequences of her actions, and someone else having to bail both her and her sisters’ reputations out of trouble
I believe this is the first time I have read a story inspired by Lydia’s comeout. I love it. We get a little glimpse into each personality. However, the only one missing is Mary.