Page 106 of His Pride and His Prejudice

“He is Louis’ uncle, why shouldn’t he bear the expense.”

“Because it was not his to bear,” Elliot said. “Louis’ scandalous behaviour?—”

“Louis will be married,” Mrs. Bennet snapped. “There is no scandal. None!” And she called Marc and Christian to her and began to arrange herself ready to receive her son and his husband. No more was to be said of what had led them to this point or of the character of either Louis or Wickham.

Elliot could not stay in the room. He left as soon as possible and soon found himself back with Mr. Bennet who had finished his reply to Mr. Gardiner.

“This business…” he said. “I am quite reflective, Elliot.”

“We all are,” Elliot said. “Well, with the exception of mama and Louis, I expect.”

Mr. Bennet shook his head. “On the drive back to Longbourn, and here composing my reply to your uncle, I begin to wish that instead of spending the whole of my income each year that I had been more sensible in laying by an annual sum for the better provision of my children, and of Mrs. Bennet, assuming she survives me, which she will, Elliot, regardless of her dramatics.”

“You are worrying about the price our uncles have had to pay,” Elliot asked.

“I am,” he said. “Had I been more prudent the satisfaction of prevailing on one of the most worthless young men in Great Britain to become Louis’ husband might then have rested in its proper place.”

“Uncle Gardiner is happy to aid us.”

“Your uncle had little choice,” Mr. Bennet said. He sighed. “When we first married economy was perfectly useless, for, of course, our children were to be betas and would therefore inherit.”

No one knew why some alphas ended up with omega children or why some omegas ended up with beta children, but it was through birth, and once it was done it was set.

“Papa…” Elliot said, shifting slightly, because he knew how much easier it would all have been if he and Jack had been betas.

Mr. Bennet waved his words away. “But that did not happen, Elliot, for whatever reason. By the time we realised that it would not happen it was far too late to start saving in any meaningful way.”

“If the worst should happen, papa, you must know that we would all be well,” Elliot said. “We would lose Longbourn of course, but we would not starve.”

“I had recently hoped that an advantageous marriage for Jack would have removed the entail. He and Mr. Bingley would inherit and all would be well…Louis has put paid to that though.”

Darcy flashed into Elliot’s mind. How he had looked as Elliot had told him the news of Louis’ elopement, how quickly he had left the inn… Elliot clenched his fists, his chest aching at the image.

“Jack might meet someone else,” he eventually said.

“Yes,” Mr. Bennet replied. “He might, but any offers now will not come from betas or alphas, you realise that I hope, Elliot,” he said, giving Elliot a piercing look. “Louis’ behaviour has materially impacted your chances of advantageous matches, as you indeed warned me it would. The scandal has happened, it cannot be undone.”

And so once again Elliot was obliged to push Darcy from his mind. He was out of practice though and Darcy did not leave easily. “There is nothing wrong with marrying an omega,” Elliot said firmly.

Mr. Bennet, an omega himself, laughed softly. “No, there is not.”

“Besides, myself and my brothers have long been keen on pursuing occupations,” Elliot added. “And mayhap we will make our own fortunes.”

“Perhaps that is better,” Mr. Bennet said as he stood up, letter in hand. “Because know this, Elliot, little of permanent happiness can belong to a couple who were only brought together because their passions were stronger than their virtue.”

Fifty-Three

The wedding day happened without the Bennets, who remained in Longbourn, trusting Mr. and Mr. Gardiner to take care of matters, which they did, for some days later Louis and Wickham arrived in Hertfordshire.

The family assembled at the doors of Longbourn as the carriage pulled up. When Louis and Wickham emerged, Mrs. Bennet stepped forwards, embraced them with delight and wished them both joy and happiness. Their reception from Mr. Bennet, to whom they then turned, was not quite so cordial. His countenance rather gained in austerity, and he scarcely opened his lips.

Louis did not seem perturbed by this and neither did Wickham. Instead, Louis turned from brother to brother, demanding their congratulations and Wickham stood next to him with an easy assurance which—as had always been the case—was nothing more than a cover for the deficiencies in his character.

Still, there was no want of discourse as they all, with the exception of Mr. Bennet, who simply left, sat down for afternoon tea. Mrs. Bennet, Louis and even Christian talked quickly to one another, though Elliot was happy to see that Christian was more reserved than usual. Wickham happened to sit near Jack and began inquiring after his acquaintances in the neighbourhood, with a good-humoured ease which Jack was clearly unequal to in his replies.

Jack did not want to be in this room.

Elliot didn’t either.

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