Page 20 of Shields and Roses

"You take my side," Richard said. "Father will come to complain about my disobedience, picking a time when Miss Stanton is present, of course. You will argue my side, causing some apparent tension between the two of you as well. I would suggest you warn Lizzy what we are up to. It might work even better if she takes Father's side of things, although I am not sure if that will be completely believable."

"Oh, I think she could pull it off. Then she and I would have a little something to 'argue' over on occasion. I do think this could be fun." Bennet burst out laughing at the thought. Then, he grew serious. "Just watch your back out there, Richard. If she thinks she is manipulating you, she could also be manipulating others to harm you if it meets her goals."

"I am aware of that, and I will be on guard. You should be on guard as well, both for yourself and for Lizzy. I've been hearing things, not enough to point out a specific danger, but enough to worry me. Aunt Catherine has plans for your daughter, and they are not kind ones."

"I have been trying to work those plans out since the day your aunt insisted on being Lizzy's godmother. So far, nothing Lady Catherine has offered to Lizzy is beyond what I would want to do for my daughter myself. Like you, I accept her gifts since they are things I would provide anyway, but I keep an eye out for trouble."

"I hear from my cousin, Anne, that her mother has a definite plan for Lizzy. Aunt Catherine keeps her cards particularly close to her chest in that regard, but she still sometimes gloats to herself. Anne has heard just enough to make her worry, but not enough to say why. Did you know Aunt Catherine has been in contact with your cousin Collins?"

Sighing, Bennet said, "Lewis once told me your father had warned him that Lady Catherine never released a grudge, but he had not fully believed it until after they were married. I did not know she had ever heard about Collins, but somehow, I am not that surprised she would pull him in on whatever plan she has. I am more surprised you learned this from Miss de Bourgh. Based on Lady Catherine's letters to my wife and daughter, your cousin is a paragon of virtue, quiet and demure almost to a fault."

Richard chuckled. "As well she might have been if I had not managed to encourage her to a little rebellion. In fact, I have held up Lizzy as a model for my cousin, much as my aunt has used Anne as a model for your daughter. She, too, plays a part for her mother and has become very skilled at hiding herself in plain sight. She would like to be Lizzy's friend, but there is no way that can happen with the current situation. In the spirit of friendship, though, she keeps her eyes and ears open trying to find out what is going on. As far as Collins goes, my aunt has given him a small stipend on condition his son remains alive and reasonably well. Apparently, the man is a brute and there was good reason to believe he might one day beat his son into oblivion. The boy has been sent to school and is being prepared for life as a clergyman. If Anne's sources are correct, it is an uphill battle, but if he cannot pass the test on his own, Aunt Catherine will find a way to help. If she wants him to be a clergyman, he will be."

Bennet shook his head. "This is even more confusing. What good does it do her to turn my vile cousin's boy into a clergyman? I shall have to think about this one."

"I expect it was just a way to keep him alive and in her debt. Not to paint the clergy with a broad brush, but if the boy is not that bright, making his way in the church would be easier than trying to make him into a lawyer. A soldier is too chancy - if she wants him guaranteed to be alive, that is."

"Oh, she wants him alive because he follows his father as heir presumptive of Longbourn and could cause trouble for us on her behalf. Collins, Senior, would have no compunction about throwing my wife and daughters out of this house before I am even buried. Of course, I have made plans to assure their safety on my demise, but I have kept them to myself and my brothers-in-law. It is probable Lady Catherine knows nothing of them. Ah well, all I can do for now is keep an eye on her - and play your little game."

"Thank you, Mr. Bennet. I knew I could count on you. I needed a bit of other help from you as well."

"And what kind of help would that be?" Bennet asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement at Richard's tone and expression.

"Hmm, something in the way of an introduction. I understand your brother-in-law, Mr. Gardiner, has a thriving business. I am looking for a good investment for a few years. You see, since Aunt Catherine paid for my commission, my father agreed to match the funds I had saved, if I come up with a good investment for them. In a few years, when I have sufficient experience, I can use the money to purchase a higher rank."

"That sounds like a very good plan, and you would want to do that out of sight of Lady Catherine's spies. You are not quite of age, though, Richard. While Gardiner would either let you invest in his business or point you to a better option, you cannot sign the necessary legal documents yet."

"Oh, my father will come along and do the signing on my behalf. But we still need the introduction. We can always claim I am running an errand for you and Father came along to keep me out of trouble since my judgment is clearly impaired after making the reckless choice to accept the commission."

"I shall write a letter for you to take with you when you go back to London. I think I shall enjoy introducing you to Gardiner. You will find him an excellent co-conspirator."

"That was my hope," Richard said, "After all, Lizzy has had nothing but praise for her London relatives over the years."

"Speaking of Lizzy, perhaps I should rescue her from the parlor so we can fill her in on your plans. Oh, and the Lucas family are coming for dinner tonight. I hope you do not mind a small gathering."

"Oh, we can play out the game with a little help from Sir William. Will Miss Lucas be joining us as well?"

Bennet reached for the bell to summon Mrs. Hill. "She will. Of course, you are now an itinerant soldier who can only flirt with the pretty girls. I expect you to behave yourself and not break any hearts."

"Oh, you take all the fun out of it, sir," Richard grumbled. He gave his godfather a wink to show he knew they were joking before he stood to get the chessboard. "Maybe we can have a game after we explain the situation to Lizzy."

Chapter 13: Arrangements

"Good evening, Miss Lucas," Richard said, bowing politely. He offered his arm while giving the young woman a charming smile. "May I escort you in?"

Blushing slightly, Miss Lucas dropped a curtsy and rested her hand on his arm. They walked together towards a settee in the corner.

"Be careful, Charlotte," Lizzy said softly as they passed the spot where she stood with Miss Stanton. "Lieutenant Fitzwilliam is a soldier now. That means you are in for nothing but empty compliments and foolish flirtations." Her voice had a slight edge to it that would have worried Richard if he had not known she was playing a part.

"Lieutenant?" Miss Lucas asked him in surprise. "What does she mean?"

As she took a seat on the settee, he replied in a voice just loud enough for Miss Stanton to hear, "It is true. My aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, has provided me with a lieutenant's commission - such a kind gesture on her part. I am on my way to London to join my new unit and start my training. Of course, I do not like to miss out on my traditional stop at Longbourn at the end of each school year, so here I am." As he turned so he faced away from Miss Stanton while he took the seat next to Miss Lucas, he said very softly, "There is a bit more to it, but I am certain your friend will fill you in later."

Miss Lucas looked at him curiously. He rolled his eyes in the direction of Miss Stanton, who was quietly chastising Lizzy for speaking up in company. Miss Lucas followed his gaze and her eyes widened slightly as she understood the message.

"This seems a bit sudden," she said at a normal conversational volume. "May one ask how it came about?"

"It is actually not sudden at all. At least, my plan to enter the military was not. It has been my intent for some time to purchase a commission and start my career as soon as I completed my studies at Eton. The event is upon us more quickly than some of my family and friends expected, however. My Aunt Catherine saw the completion of my time at Eton as an opportunity to help me advance in the world. She sent me word a few weeks ago that she approved of my aspirations and wanted to see me off to a good start. If I was serious about becoming an officer, she would provide me with a commission as a lieutenant in the cavalry. I have accepted her offer and will be starting my duties within the week."