A Kindly Aunt 13 & 14

AN: I appreciate everyone's comments. I am glad you are enjoying these more relaxed interactions without Mrs. B's watchful eye. Jen, I hope you like the way my Bingley develops. You may change your mind about him for Jane. Some of the conversation at the end was inspired by Louisa May Alcott in Rose in Bloom. There is a great deal in that book about society and its choices for young women.
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Chapter 13

The next morning as the girls were reading with Anne, Mrs. Gardiner received a note from Lady Sefton asking for an interview with the Bennet girls the next day. Agreement was sent quickly. Anne and Mrs. Gardiner then discussed the benefits of being admitted to Almack’s. Although Anne had been given permission, she had never attended as her father was not interested, and Elizabeth Elliot had never been admitted.

When the girls met with Lady Sefton, they had a nervously pleasant interview. Lady Sefton agreed to give them admittance, and renewed it for Anne, along with instructions that Miss Elliot must manage to attend at least once this year. Anne agreed that she would accompany her cousins at least once.

Later that afternoon, they returned the visit to the Bingleys and Mrs. Hurst. Once greetings were exchanged, all seated themselves in the parlor. Elizabeth could see that Miss Bingley had still not determined if they were of sufficient status to qualify as friends, so she mischievously began, “We had the most interesting visitor this morning. Lady Sefton came to vet us for admittance to Almack’s. Although Anne had gained permission during her season, both Jane and I were quite nervous. Mrs. Hurst, how did you feel about it before your season?”

“I am afraid I chose to move in a smaller circle and did not try for entry to Almack’s. However, Caroline is expecting to meet with one of the Ladies on the morrow. I agree it is quite nerve wracking.”

Caroline smiled tightly, wondering why these two had qualified for an interview before her, and added, “However, given our list of friends, I suspect admittance is a foregone conclusion.”

Mrs. Gardiner smiled in return and asked, “Really? I was not aware that the interviews were simply perfunctory. Jane, did you find the questions shallow?”

“No, I thought she was truly searching out our characters to see both to whom they might introduce us and whether or not we were worthy. Perhaps you are correct, Miss Bingley, that connections are all that matters. In any case, I hope we see much of you there this season.”

Elizabeth added, “In some ways, I was almost as nervous as I am about our presentation next month. Given the school you attended, I expect that you have no worries about your own presentation.”

Caroline was surprised into asking, “You are being presented? Who is your sponsor?”

Mrs. Gardiner answered, “I am. Since my father is a baronet, of course my sisters and I were all presented when we came out. Elizabeth is going to wear my own dress and Jane my mother’s, although both will have to have significant modifications. Anne wore her mother’s dress. Sharing a dress is sort of a family tradition in this current generation.”

Jane said, “I am pleased that Lady Stevenson was willing to allow me to borrow her dress. She is very kind to be so obliging.”

Anne added, “Yes, I must say that wearing Mother’s dress helped me feel she was attending with me. I am glad Grandmother could sponsor me since Mother had already passed.” To Mrs. Hurst, she added, “It must be so difficult that all of your older family members are gone. I do not know what I would do without my aunt and cousins.”

Louisa answered, “It does limit things a little that there are no other Bingleys. However, Mr. Hurst has aunts, uncles, cousins, and two older sisters as well as his mother living. We spent our year of mourning mostly with his mother at their estate. I agree that family is quite important. We do try to visit our more distant cousins in York when we can.”

Caroline was still processing that these country cousins were to be presented when she was not. She had no family that could sponsor her even if they were living. The roots in trade were too close. Perhaps these would be acquaintances worth cultivating after all. At least, maybe Miss Bennet was. That Miss Elizabeth was just a little too pert for her own good. “Perhaps we can be presented after marriage. While Mrs. Hurst was never presented, if I marry into a family with those ties, we can remedy that lack at that time.”

Elizabeth answered in a sugary tone, “Oh, I am sure that will be the case. We will be sure to share all the details so you will be prepared when that occurs.”

They visited for another quarter hour before Mrs. Gardiner indicated that they were due at her mother’s and took their leave. Once they were gone, Caroline arose and stalked the parlor in irritation as she vented her frustration. “They are from an insignificant family somewhere in the wilds of Hertfordshire and get to be presented when we do not. It is insufferable.”

Louisa answered, “Why can you not be happy for them. They seem nice enough.”

“Miss Elizabeth is too impertinent. I think she brought up the presentation just expecting that we would not enjoy it.”

“Surely not. After all, you are going to be interviewed for admittance to Almack’s just as they were. How could she know we had no sponsor?”

“Well, you may like Miss Bennet, and Miss Elliot for that matter. Both are quiet enough. But do not ask me to like Miss Elizabeth. She is too opinionated.”

Louisa shook her head in dismay. If Caroline was going to be so difficult in who could be a comfortable acquaintance, her season was likely to be somewhat distressing. Over dinner that evening, she informed Bingley about the call. He was pleased that both of his sisters seemed to enjoy Miss Bennet’s company. He was looking forward to seeing her again soon.

The visit to the Stevenson’s was quite pleasant. Sir James’ health had improved significantly, and he spent the entire visit with them in the parlor. They informed Lady Stevenson of the invitations to Almack’s and discussed some of the upcoming events to which they were invited. The Season was just getting underway, so they were not already committed for every evening. Lady Stevenson invited them for a free upcoming evening to attend her to the theater. Sir James would not join them as he was not quite that well yet.

Lady Stevenson asked, “So you have attended some dinners and card parties, have you already managed to attract any beaux?”

Mrs. Gardiner laughed and said, “Mother, really? Are you adopting Mrs. Bennet as a role model? I do not know that they have beaux just yet, but they have met some interesting, eligible single men. I am sure we will see if anything comes of it over the next few weeks. We will call again to give you a progress update next Sunday after services, if that will please you.”

The girls had all laughed at this question and all three had blushed. Elizabeth had added, “Truly, it is early days yet to say that there are any conquests. However, I imagine the chase will be quite amusing.”

Lady Stevenson replied, “At least there are some prospects. Very well then, next Sunday it is and theater the evening before.”

Sir James laughed and added, “Once someone gets up to the mark, we expect to host him to dinner so we can grill him to see if he is acceptable, you know. I have improved at that over the years.”

Mrs. Gardiner asked, “Oh, really?”

Ruefully, Sir James said, “Yes, really. Now I have seen how I did not know what to ask when Elizabeth married. I did much better with you, Madeline. If you do not believe me, consider Anne’s situation. Had I known him better, I might not have approved Sir Walter. At least I did not fail you and Susan.”

Anne replied, “Father is not so bad. He just does not have great depth. Most people do not even consider that a failing.”

Sir James said, “Your loyalty to him is admirable. However, I do feel I failed Elizabeth in not becoming better acquainted before giving permission. I have no say in the men you accept, but I do want to meet them and give you my opinion of them. You are free to do what you will with that opinion.”

Jane said, “Thank you sir. Between you and Uncle Gardiner, I am sure we will be well protected. I am sure our father appreciates that as well.”

Sir James responded, “One cannot be too careful.”

Mrs. Gardiner had three more visits planned for the afternoon, so they soon departed. They enjoyed the visits as all were to close friends of Mrs. Gardiner and not just the superficial acquaintances of so many visits.




Chapter 14

The next day, Mary joined the others in a trip to the British Museum. They enjoyed comparing reactions to the various paintings and exhibits. The pictures raised a desire in Mary to begin sketching. She suddenly felt an urge to capture her feelings on paper but felt that words would be inadequate. She discussed this with Anne and Mrs. Gardiner as they studied one painting. Mrs. Gardiner agreed to find an art master to give her a start. Thus, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia were all now studying piano and sketching although with different teachers. Mary found her correspondence with her younger sisters becoming more interesting and the beginning of a bond between them growing.

This visit in London had already wrought a significant change in Mary. Miss Switzler had her reading a far wider variety of material than she had chosen for herself, and this reading was changing Mary’s perspective. Mary could now appreciate that not all actions were either completely good or completely bad, that there was a large gray area in between. Watching the respect in the interactions between her aunt and uncle, she came to understand some of what was lacking between her parents. The love and acceptance, and more time spent with people who did not constantly comment on her plainness, had her smiling much more. Her inner peace and happiness were reflected in her countenance and carriage. This meant that she no longer appeared plain. While not as attractive as Jane, she was now perceived as attractive.

The three sisters and cousin spent much of their leisure sewing objects for Mrs. Gardiner’s charitable efforts. They would sit together in the parlor sewing, while one of them or Mrs. Gardiner would read to them. Sometimes, they would read in English; other times they would choose French or Italian. This helped both Mrs. Gardiner and Anne refresh their command of the languages and helped the Bennets improve theirs. They also enjoyed the satisfaction of contributing to the sewing circle efforts. Even Mary now attended the meetings of the group although she rarely said anything. During the quiet months, the sewing circle might meet weekly, but once the Season’s social calendar picked up, they switched to monthly. The girls had seen that change take place at the end of February. They would attend only a few more sessions before returning home.

While the letters between Mary and Lydia and Kitty brought smiles and closeness to the sisters, the ones Mrs. Bennet sent were quite different. All she ever wrote to Mary was that she must try to improve herself so that she could eventually attach someone. It was the only thing she could think of. She never asked about her lessons, which is what Mary wrote about, nor about her other activities.

Both Jane and Elizabeth wrote about every event they attended. They described the dress of the other attendees, the entertainment, food, and decorations. If they exhibited, they mentioned what they had played. They never spoke of the men who attended nor of their conversations. While Mrs. Bennet asked constantly of the gentlemen and whether or not any were seriously courting them, they never answered her questions. She sent a great deal of advice in each letter, all of it directed toward attaching a rich gentleman. Since Mr. Bennet wrote only occasionally, to him they wrote that they were making a number of new acquaintance and enjoying their time.

The week before the Sunday visit to the Stevenson’s held a musical soiree, a couple of card parties, many visits, the trip to the museum, and the theater evening with Lady Stevenson. The Alleyns had attended one of the card parties, which gave Anne a pleasant change from her playing companions. The Bingleys had also been present at the musical evening which had increased its enjoyment for Jane. She found herself quite attracted to Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth still did not care for Miss Bingley.

The Gardiners, Anne, and The Bennets were among the earliest arrivals. They stood together near the fireplace talking of the program for the evening, greeting friends as they also arrived. But hardly were they so settled, when the door opened again, and Captain Wentworth walked in alone. Anne was the nearest to him, and making yet a little advance, she instantly spoke. He was preparing only to bow and pass on, but her gentle "How do you do?" brought him out of the straight line to stand near her, and make enquiries in return.

“You are on your own this evening?”

“Andrew is suffering from a cough and did not want to disturb the performance. The major was not interested in the music and Darcy is off to Bath, so you see me here alone. The program looked interesting, so I thought I would attend.”

With a blush, Anne said, “I am happy you could. Would you like to sit with us so you do not have to sit alone?”

He looked at her for a few moments before finally agreeing.

Meanwhile, the Bingleys and Hursts had entered the room. Mrs. Gardiner had greeted them all as they passed by, and Bingley had stopped to chat while the others continued into the room. So, as Anne and Wentworth talked at one side of the group, the rest saw Bingley move directly to Jane’s side.

“Miss Bennet, how wonderful to see you here this evening! It has been almost a week since our last meeting. I hope you have been well.”

“I thank you, yes. It seems we have started becoming quite busy. It appears the Season is starting in earnest.”

“Yes, our calendars seem to get even busier as the Season begins. Darcy was lucky to manage to get away. He is off to Bath to investigate that school recommended by your cousin. I do not know when I will see him again.”

“He does not enjoy the social round, does he?”

“Nor particularly. He has always been much sought after, since his estate is so fine, that he is quite the master of being off-putting. He finds it easier to avoid social events if possible, but since he is still assisting me, I think he will be required to attend at least part of the Season.”

The other three smiled to see Jane with her prospective suitor and Anne with hers. Anne still had not acknowledged that the relationship might be repaired, but she did have some hope. Finally, it was time to enter the chamber. Bingley bowed and returned to his party who were already seated. Wentworth offered Anne an arm as they followed the Gardiners, Jane, and Elizabeth to seats.

Anne's mind was in a most favorable state for the entertainment of the evening; it was just occupation enough: she had feelings for the tender, spirits for the gay, attention for the scientific, and patience for the wearisome; and had never liked a concert better. Towards the close of the first act, in the interval succeeding an Italian song, she explained the words of the song to Captain Wentworth. They had a concert bill between them.

"This," said she, "is nearly the sense, or rather the meaning of the words, for certainly the sense of an Italian love-song must not be talked of, but it is as nearly the meaning as I can give; for I do not pretend to understand the language. I am a very poor Italian scholar."

"Yes, yes, I see you are. I see you know nothing of the matter. You have only knowledge enough of the language to translate at sight these inverted, transposed, and curtailed Italian lines, into clear, comprehensible, elegant English. You need not say anything more of your ignorance. Here is complete proof."

"I will not oppose such kind politeness; but I should be sorry to be examined by a real proficient."

He smiled again at her humility. “Well, since I am not a proficient, I do thank you for the translation.”

“My aunt, cousins, and I are working at improving that proficiency for just such occasions as this.”

At the end of the first act, Bingley again sought out Jane, offering her some refreshment as he appeared. The Gardiners took the opportunity to visit with friends. Anne and Wentworth continued to talk of the program. Elizabeth watched in amusement as Bingley and Jane tried to speak, although each seemed to find it hard to settle on a topic. A short moment later, Miss Bingley appeared.

“Oh, Charles, there you are. Oh,” as if only then seeing the party, “good evening to you all. Are you enjoying the program?”

After all had returned the greeting, Elizabeth answered for them all, “Yes, I think we are. The soprano is quite good and they have selected very lively pieces. And you, are you enjoying it?”

“Oh, yes. But now, I must steal Charles away as there are some people looking to speak with him. If you will excuse us now?” She clutched his arm, and he reluctantly followed her lead, bidding Jane farewell. Jane and Elizabeth watched as Miss Bingley led him to a group of other young men who were apparently friends of his. With amusement, Elizabeth noted that the true objective was for Miss Bingley to procure an introduction to these friends of Bingley’s. From the body language, it was apparent that she was being introduced to most of them for the first time.

Anne and Wentworth were talking of the last song of the set. It was a song about fidelity and lasting love.
Wentworth said, “I am not sure I believe in a love that lingers for so many years as that. Do not most manage to forget much sooner?”

"It would not be the nature of any woman who truly loved."

Captain Wentworth smiled, as much as to say, "Do you claim that for your sex?" and she answered the question, smiling also, "Yes. We certainly do not forget you as soon as you forget us. It is, perhaps, our fate rather than our merit. We cannot help ourselves. We live at home, quiet, confined, and our feelings prey upon us. You are forced on exertion. You have always a profession, pursuits, business of some sort or other, to take you back into the world immediately, and continual occupation and change soon weaken impressions."

"Granting your assertion that the world does all this so soon for men (which, however, I do not think I shall grant), it does not apply to everyone. And yet, it seems they manage to go on."

"True," said Anne, "very true. If the change be not from outward circumstances, it must be from within; it must be nature, man's nature, which has done the business for them."

"No, no, it is not man's nature. I will not allow it to be more man's nature than woman's to be inconstant and forget those they do love, or have loved. I believe the reverse. I believe in a true analogy between our bodily frames and our mental; and that as our bodies are the strongest, so are our feelings; capable of bearing most rough usage, and riding out the heaviest weather."

"Your feelings may be the strongest," replied Anne, "but the same spirit of analogy will authorize me to assert that ours are the most tender. Man is more robust than woman, but he is not longer lived; which exactly explains my view of the nature of their attachments. Nay, it would be too hard upon you, if it were otherwise. You have difficulties, and privations, and dangers enough to struggle with. You are always laboring and toiling, exposed to every risk and hardship. Your home, country, friends, all quitted. Neither time, nor health, nor life, to be called your own. It would be hard, indeed" (with a faltering voice), "if woman's feelings were to be added to all this."

"You truly believe this?”

“I do. I know it is not fashionable, but then, as you know, I never was very fashionable.”

By this time, all were again finding their seats for the second act. As they enjoyed the music, Wentworth carefully examined their conversation as Anne did the same. She was afraid she had been too bold and had given herself away. He wondered if he should attempt to restore the engagement, as he could readily discern that he was as attracted to Miss Elliot as he had been two and a half years previously even though he had done his best to put her away from his heart.

As the concert ended, Wentworth offered his thanks for the company to the entire party and indicated a hope to see them all again soon as he departed. Bingley was able to slip away from his party to bid Jane farewell. The Gardiners were much in demand and perforce visited with a number of friends as they made their way to the egress. Both Jane and Anne were happy with the company of that evening, while Elizabeth had to be satisfied with the very pleasant music.

The evening at the theater was a pleasant family affair with only a few conversations with friends. However, the girls greatly enjoyed the play and the opportunity to see the fashions of the other attendees.

Sunday at the Stevenson’s, all these activities were listed, with amusing tales told of each event. When they discussed the two men visiting at the soiree, Lady Stevenson was quick to note that particular attention was paid to both Jane and Anne.

“Do you still say there are no beaux? It appears that Captain Wentworth and Mr. Bingley may be placing themselves in that category.”

Mrs. Gardiner answered for the girls, “They may be moving in that direction, but nothing more than that. However, they are both excellent young men, so should something proceed, we will see that you meet them. Mr. Gardiner has already had one of his agents investigate them, and they pass muster.”

“You have had them investigated?” asked Lady Stevenson.

“Of course. The girls are our responsibility. After they first paid a call upon us, we investigated them. We also had some of their friends investigated as well, since they have all paid calls. They are admitted once out of politeness, unless we already know they should not be. If they are admitted again, it is because they have passed the vetting after investigation. We do this whether they are of the first tier or a lower tier. We must protect our girls.”

Sir James replied, “Excellent. Do you also require a minimum income when you vet them?”

“Not really. However, they have to be solvent or they will not be readmitted. And they cannot be criminal or venal.”

“So if someone has little income, you might consider him?”

“Only if he has sufficient to support them in a comfortable style without their dowries. If that is not the case, we would likely discourage the acquaintance.”

Mary asked, “Are there many who would not pass your examination?”

Sir James answered, “It is unfortunate but true that there are.”

Mr. Gardiner added, “Yes, Mary, there are those that live beyond their means and rack up debt which they expect to pay off with their wife’s dowry. There are others that are respectable only on the surface and are known to be rakes or venal behind the scenes. You want husbands you can respect who will, in turn, respect you, and care for you as you deserve.”

Mrs. Gardiner said, “Society expects most young women to ignore the character of the man, so long as he is not an acknowledged rake. We have a higher standard for our friends. We want you to choose from a man of good character. So, we have them investigated.”

Mary said thoughtfully, “Those are things I had never considered.”

Elizabeth added, “Although Jane always thinks the best, most of the acquaintance we have in Meryton actually are very good men, very respectable. The gossips are fairly active and keep everyone well informed about who can be trusted and who not. I imagine there is a similar pipeline of information here, but it would not often be shared with the young women. They would shield us from an understanding of how unpleasant the world can be.”

Mrs. Gardiner said, "Many think that sort of scrupulousness is very ill-bred. Girls are not supposed to know anything about fastness, and wildness, and so on, but to treat every man alike and not be fussy and prudish. But if we do know, and if our silence and civility have no effect, we ought to try something else and not encourage wickedness of any kind. We needn't scold and preach, but we can refuse to know such people and that will do some good, for they don't like to be shunned and shut out from respectable society. “

Jane asked, “Is that really necessary?”

Mr. Gardiner answered, “It probably is. As Madeline said, our views are not the usual. However, as a barrister, I have seen enough of the sordid not to want to see you exposed to it. We investigate the character. The bank account is a secondary consideration, but of course, it is a consideration.”

Mary asked, “How important a consideration is it?”

Sir James answered, “You need enough for a respectable life if you want to remain a gentlewoman and of rank. It seems things are starting to change where more and more people in trade have substantial wealth. After a generation or two, they may become gentry. If you marry trade, you may find there are those that will ostracize you or cut you directly. Others will ignore it if there is already some distance from the trade. We may want to think otherwise, but class can still determine many of the opportunities for both you and your children. It is one of the reasons you open doors with your presentation at court. If you are of the gentry and have no funds, it diminishes those opportunities, but it you are of trade, those opportunities disappear. A happy mix of the two is what is really needed. What that dollar amount is will vary depending on lifestyle choices and interests. Your Mr. Bingley is just far enough from trade that many will ignore the connection. Others will ignore him as it is still too close.”

Lady Stevenson added, “I have a story to tell you. I have a friend who has three daughters. She was the second wife, and her husband did not provide for her and their daughters in his will. His son did nothing for them but offer them a home for a very short while. One daughter has married with very little income. The other married a man of substantial property. Both are comfortable in part because they are looking for different things in life. Had the first needed a larger home to be happy, she would not have been pleased with her husband. Her tastes differ from her sister. So, while the incomes are vastly different, both found happiness. However, their mother more resembles the younger, and therefore, she is very dissatisfied with the situation she inherited. Had the younger daughter not given her a home, the youngest would have suffered from her mother’s inability to adjust to their new income level. Apparently, the oldest had kept them from living beyond their means before her marriage. The difference for all is how they view what is required for a comfortable life. As you look around you, you must decide what you want from life, what kind of home, what location, and other such considerations. For example, Mary, it costs a fair amount to continually buy new music and books. You will need to determine what you want out of life before you select a husband.”

“Oh, I had never even considered that. Does that mean that since Father has given us some money for while we are in town, they are doing without?”

Mr. Gardiner answered, “To some extent. I know he cut back on what they’re spending at home so you girls can spend it here in town instead. My sister was not exactly happy about that, but she agreed that you being here was important.”

Lady Stevenson said, “You girls can take that as a demonstration of the love your parents have for you. Many would not make any sacrifices to permit a Season if it would cause them an inconvenience. I know your mother is a little silly, but you are lucky she has enough understanding to know the importance of this Season for the two of you. And Mary, none of your sisters came to town to study with masters. They got only what Meryton provides. What must that say about how they appreciate you?”

Mary answered, “I never thought of that at all.”

Mrs. Gardiner summed up the conversation as they prepared to leave, “I think you all have perhaps a better understanding of our expectations and hopes for you this spring. I hope you take advantage of what we have been able to offer.”

As the girls talked privately that night, Anne said, “It is comforting to know that our aunt and uncle are looking out for us as they showed today. My father’s only concern in a suitor is that he be of sufficient rank. He is not even concerned about wealth, only rank.”

Elizabeth added, “I think it nice that they have already approved the various men we’ve already met, especially since it appears Jane has already made a conquest. At least if it comes to something, she will not have to turn him away.”

Jane said, “I agree that is very nice.”

Mary asked, “Were these considerations all things you already thought about?”

Jane answered, “Well, to some extent. Although Mama does not give it much voice, I have seen how she chafes when Father denies her a purchase because she has already spent her month’s allowance for pin money. I knew I did not want to have to be so concerned about spending and allowances.”

Anne said cheerfully, “Well, since Mr. Bingley apparently has a nice income, you may be very happy indeed.”

Elizabeth asked teasingly, “And what of Captain Wentworth? Has he a good income?”

Anne blushed and laughed too. “His income is only that of a Captain, which is not all that high. However, through prize money, he is on the way to developing significant wealth. But you get ahead of things as he has not indicated any interest.”

Jane teased too, “At least, not yet formally. However, his glances indicate it should not be too long in coming.”