Into Society; Open

[Mr George Wickham]

Mr Wickham had decided that he was going to enjoy Meryton, oh, very much indeed.

Upon his first arriving with his Regiment, Wickham had only moments to take in the people, the shops, and the countryside, caught only by sneaking glances as they marched in. 'Eyes front and keep your composure' were the well-drilled orders, but Wickham was never a man to follow anyone or anything but the own conscious throbbing within him. Wickham would not keep his eyes front; his eyes did not focus on the red of the uniformed man in front of him, but rather the snatches of white and green of lady's dresses. He listened not to orders but to the quiet conversations of the party by the corner. Meryton was fresh and new, and Wickham had only just begun to make himself a study of it.

The Regiment had now been stationed in town long enough that the men were able to finally make their way into the general society. What Wickham found, initially, was an overall air of vulgarity that very highly amused him - the men and women alike fancied themselves important and nothing near plain, and their manners in town were vastly more slack than those to which Wickham had been accustomed. He had not been familiarizing himself with Meryton for more than a day before he was already polishing the details on his to-be-presented persona: He was to be Mr George Wickham, the unashamed son of steward with a less than opportunistic past, despite circumstances. His manners were to be charming, engaging, and significantly deep, but not so proud as to betray his origins and repel the simpler presentations here.

He would not make an outright spectacle of himself, he mused as he walked the path leading to town. Rather, he might reward an appropriate lady with his utmost confidences and draw her in with his sensitivity and relation. Wickham made his way purposefully towards town, fixing his cape and clasp as he went and caring not a whit for the charming prospect the countryside provided. Accompanying him were two younger men who chattered happily about the fine weather and clear air, and often they asked for Wickham's opinion on such things. Deeming it necessary to begin his reputation among his fellow men as the same he would be portraying in Meryton, Wickham amicably reported that it was the finest weather he had seen in near a fortnight. The gentlemen obliged that it was so, and were content.

Upon reaching the town proper, Wickham had the good sense to keep a happy look in his eye and a closed, wondering smile on his lips. He noticed that the proper was supplied more fully with company than when the Regiment first arrived, most probably owing to the fact that their presence here was a bit of a curiosity. Wickham only stored this notion away with the intent to later use his status as "novel" for future occasions, and made sure to touch the brim of his hat in acknowledgement of catching the fleeting eye of every lady who dared chance such an encounter. His smile grew more amused with each occurrence, and was very nearly genuine by the time the two men accompanying him had paused to beg rather forward introductions of themselves to the town.

"Dear fellows," Wickham pressed to them in a voice conveniently loud enough to be overheard by some gentle passers-by, "do not presume to be so bold, even in the happy atmosphere of Meryton! We cannot so blatantly impose upon the kindness we have already been shown." He raised his brows at them and obligingly smiled, so that they were quite sure of his purpose before the expected party had indeed made as if they chanced to overhear.

[MISS JANE BENNET]

Where the devil were they?

Jane humphed as she walked up and down the streets of Meryton for the umpteenth time looking for her wayward younger sisters Lydia and Kitty. Such visits to Meryton were a frequent pleasure for the girls as Longbourn was well within walking distance and provided no end to amusements and social engagements that were otherwise unavailable to the girls at Longbourn. Usually the party that consisted of their usual jaunts to Meryton were Lydia, Kitty, Lizzie and of course Jane herself. Occasionally Mary would join them but often she declined in favor of conducting some study on morality that was a pressing matter.

However upon this jaunt to Meryton Lizzie had not been available to journey with them as she was otherwise engaged with Charlotte Lucas. Upon finding out that Lizzie was unavailable to act as a chaperone they had begged and pleaded with Jane until she agreed to accompany them to Meryton so that they might have a look at the regiment that had newly arrived in town. Enough time had passed that the soldiers were now in a position to infiltrate polite society and Lydia and Kitty talked of nothing else but making their acquaintance.


Mrs. Bennet was highly in favor of the journey to Meryton in an effort to get her girls married off to a Colonel or other high ranking officer. Mrs. Bennet still had hopes of marrying Jane off to the newly arrived Mr. Bingley but it didn’t hurt for her to be an object of affection of other young men. Jane had no interest in being a trophy to be won but she couldn’t deny her sisters when they were so excited to go. So they had set off in the late morning, walking at a leisurely but quick pace. With no stop to the endless chatter about how to force an introduction to one of the soldiers. Jane quickly scolded her sisters, as propriety was of importance to her and she sometimes was mortified of their behavior.

Upon reaching the town proper Jane had suggested a quick stop off to the ribbon merchant in order to inspect their new wares before Lydia and Kitty’s quest to find the regiment began. The detour lasted a mere ten minutes before Jane turned around and her sisters were gone, no doubt hot on the trail of an officer. Sighing Jane moved to the door and began her search and spent several minutes in vain trying to locate them. Coming around a corner she nearly barged right into her sisters making a spectacle of themselves in front of three redcoats.

Jane’s face nearly turned red with mortification for her sisters who were acting as if they didn’t posses one shred of common sense. Taking a moment to smooth down the creases in her pink gown and adjusting her shawl she was about to save her sisters from social suicide before a knight in shining armor appeared and took the two men to task.

“ Do you not have any shred of common sense?” she hissed gently at her sisters before turning to address the man who had spoken. Bobbing slightly in acknowledgement to his polite manners she inclined her head in gratitude. “ I must thank you sir, for being so kind to my two younger sisters. Whom sometimes forget their manners and intervene on the good graces and kindness of others.” she said with a look that Lydia and Kitty promptly ignored before continuing their introductions to the two younger officers.

[Mr George Wickham]

Much to their unwitting advantage, the two officer accompanying Wickham disregarded his gentle promptings and subtle looks. Their audacity had attracted the attention of two equally silly and crass girls who fairly giggled themselves into a perfect tizzy on sight of them. Wickham, always able to adapt quickly to spontaneous occasions such as these, bowed slightly at the bold women while making sure the young men did not embarrass him. "Mr Denny," Wickham had said moments before a third woman joined them, "you'll please remember you impose on these lovely people. Take heed, dear fellow." It was said kindly and without malice; a subtle prompt that he hoped would present his "nature" as keen minded and aware, though in truth his efforts were wasted between his company of four.

Wickham had just resolved to change his tactics again, temporarily resigning himself to an accommodating smile that was more suited to the young women before him. Would he indeed have to be more forward than even he originally anticipated? Wickham's eyes lit as he prepared to drop pretenses of higher manners, when a woman gowned in pink gave him new reason to yet hold out. She was a woman more beautiful than he had yet seen; a light figure and pleasing countenance that appeared in all aspects, even her voice. Wickham's eyes immediately leapt to her upon her presence, unabashedly smiling at the very ill look she gave the other girls.

She chastised the other girls, and Wickham and the two officers had the decency to look away on their behalf. It wasn't long after, however, that the two women and the two officers were back to smiling and chatting in a way that made the third woman cringe, then turn to address Wickham with humility. Wickham attended closely, a kind smile on his lips as the woman apologized for her sisters. Her voice was pleasing even its embarrassment, and Wickham obliged.

He bowed back though not fully, inclining his head and stooping at the waist a little to give the woman due grace. "Oh please," he begged when he again made eye contact, "it is I who must thank you, and your charming sisters. You see, my fellow officers and I have been shamefully hoping to delight in the company of Meryton, and to ourselves oblige in its society." He looked at her, unwaveringly, with a truth in his eyes and his voice that he hoped would inspire her superior manners and compassion. She looked and acted as if she owned the tact and felicity her sisters found wanting, and Wickham hoped to seize this acquaintance to a good end.

"If I may continue to be dishonorably bold," he said, admitting to the faux pas and hoping this maneuver would not be lost on the woman in pink, "may I take this opportunity to introduce my fellow officers?" Wickham bowed his head a little, tactfully embarrassed, but clearly delighted in a way that he hoped would appeal to the three women. "Lieutenant Denny and Lieutenant Sanderson accompany me, and I am Lieutenant Wickham." The three men bowed deeply then, making the two younger women fairly squeal with delight. Denny and Sanderson grinned with smiles too broad, but Wickham remained composed after the forced introductions were made. Hopefully this woman in pink was a well-mannered woman of society who had connections with many in Meryton: Wickham would then only need suffer this one awkward occasion to successfully circulate to the rest of the town. Judging by her countenance and thus far incomparable beauty, Wickham felt satisfied in his daring.

[MISS JANE BENNET]

Jane could hear her sister’s collective groan when she appeared, although she had no motives other than to come to their rescue. Although Jane never meant to, more often than not she did tend to draw the attention away from her sisters when she entered their vicinity. Such was the case when she intervened on their behalf with the officers as she drew the attention of the eldest one right away from them. When the eldest officer openly began to look at her, her shyness began to take over. Where just a hint of pink tinge graced her cheeks as he openly smiled at her. Jane was by no means aware of any physical beauty she possessed and was unaccustomed to the stares of the opposite sex she often received.

Although Jane found this situation absolutely mortifying, she had no doubt that Mrs. Bennet would be delighted to hear how Lydia and Kitty secured the attentions of two officers upon this morn. Although Jane suspected they were not of high enough rank for Mrs. Bennet to consider them good enough for her girls but she would not object to any flirtation that could be used to nurse the attentions of more higher ranking officers. She imagined that only Lizzie and herself would consider this another check on an endless list of embarrassments their family caused.

“ You are so very kind.” Jane responded automatically when Lieutenant Wickham ventured to thank her and her sisters for engaging them. From what she could tell Lieutenant Wickham was a good a proper sort of young man whom could be kind enough to overlook the atrocious manners of her sisters. For that fact alone Jane felt obliged to respond in kind to him, even though a horrible breach in propriety had been reached on the very streets of Meryton. However propriety dictated that she wait until introductions were made before she offered anything beyond necessary politeness.

Jane dipped gracefully to acknowledge the men’s bows before in turn introducing her younger sisters. “ We are so very pleased to make your acquaintances. This is Miss Lydia and Miss Kitty Bennet respectively and I am Miss Bennet .” she said gesturing to each of her sisters in turn, following the custom to distinguish between each of the respective Bennet women and herself as the eldest. There was very little choice in the matter now that Lydia and Kitty had made a spectacle of themselves, not that the younger two officers seemed to mind at all. Jane’s clear blue eyes were interested and carefully studying all the Lieutenant Wickham said and did in order to better discern his character.

“ Have you found Meryton to your liking thus far? Although we are a small community I have always found the society to be most welcoming and kind.” she ventured with a small sigh as her sisters again proceeded to make a spectacle of themselves by conversing more openly with the officers. Jane hoped that she would at least repair some of the damage done by her sisters if she would be able to claim Lieutenant Wickham a friend after this occurrence.

" Perhaps we might claim the honor as the first of undoubtedly many that would invite you to dine with us at Longbourn. Our mother and father will insist upon hosting such officers who are undoubtedly the pride of the regiment. And to show you the true hospitality of the inhabitants of Meryton." Jane offered in an effort to save the girls from ruining themselves socially. At least this way it would seem as if a friendship had been formed and was budding.

[Mr George Wickham]

Wickham fairly delighted at seeing his fellow officers make blatant spectacles of themselves upon his very shoulder, and it was all he could do to keep his smile carefully in check. Neither was it too wide or too small for the situation, settling into a polite turn of the lips that welcomed conversation and engaged the young woman addressing him. She was possibly the most beautiful creature he had laid eyes on, and at her shy smile and slight blushing, he felt a leap in his chest that he knew signified a welcome opportunity. The oldest Miss Bennet was by far the most mannered and well bred of the three company, and for that reason Wickham turned his efforts on her, with the careful consideration to not entirely disregard her fair sisters: he meant to endear himself to all parties with promise yet unknown.

The practiced politeness of Wickham was no match for Miss Bennet's apparently genuine manners, and Wickham found himself almost grinning again at the sport before him. "I have never seen a society more welcoming than that of Meryton," he allowed, taking the time to smile pleasantly at the nearby shops and passers-by. "Nor a town more pleasantly situated. I hope indeed that we are to stay for a time long enough to acquaint ourselves more fully with its doubtless many merriments." Wickham had, by this time, nearly given up Lieutenants Denny and Sanders for lost, distracted and giddy as they were to engage the two younger Bennets. Wickham could only apologize again to the lady before him with a sort of grimace and bow of the head as the four others let out boisterous laughs. Wickham took the smallest of steps away from them to bring himself into Miss Bennet's full attention, his smile again on his lips and his countenance easy. He meant to put Miss Bennet at ease.

"I'm sure nothing would be better," Wickham accepted, his eyes lighting up at the prospect as he noticed Miss Bennet's consideration of him. He appeared delighted at the prospect, which was true, to be sure. He had successfully made the acquaintance of the young Miss Bennets and would use this to his societal advantage: He pondered briefly how long he would hold this acquaintance before letting show the disadvantaged Wickham who longed for a life of piety rather than of fighting. Would he be the disciplined soldier for long for the benefit of Miss Bennet?

"You're too kind, Miss Bennet," Wickham bowed again at her praise, hiding a mirthful smile at how politeness demanded these compliments, no matter how far from the truth they were. "Such kindness and hospitality is abundantly evident in you and your sisters, and I do hope myself and my fellows do you no dishonor." This got the attention of the other officers and the two younger Miss Bennets, the latter of which smiled and laughed with good nature. They confirmed the invitation extended by Miss Bennet, adding that their Mama would be so very pleased to be among the first to engage the officers stationed at Meryton. Wickham allowed them a smile that both thanked and encouraged them, letting them babble about all the fine things Meryton had to offer.

[MISS JANE BENNET]

As much as Jane abhorred the general spectacle that was unfolding before she knew that dear Mrs. Bennet would be pleased. An introduction to even the lowest officer in the regiment would mean a future introduction to true marriageable material such as a major, lt. colonel and the jackpot a colonel. Although Jane admired the regiments and the great duty they performed in protecting the nation she couldn’t help but think that becoming an officer’s wife was not for her. The constant worry and fear that her husband would never return home would be too much for the gentlest of the Bennet sisters to withstand. But there was no reason a new friendship could not be formed and the helping along of the future happiness of one or more of her sisters.

“ I am so very glad you find Meryton to your liking.” she responded pleasantly, her eyes following his as they roamed around her fair town. “ Do you know yet how long your stay shall be?” she asked curiously although in part to gage how much time Mama had to throw together a dinner to entertain the officers. Upon hearing her sisters burst into a fit of laughter Jane couldn’t help but grimace at how much attention they were drawing to themselves. And to her great mortification she saw that Mr. Wickham was not pleased either.

Jane was secretly quite pleased the gallant Mr. Wickham had accepted her invitation. For although she had the briefest of encounters with him she had a feeling deep within her that a dear sister of hers would get along quite well with him. A dinner would be the perfect pretext of introducing Mr. Wickham and Lizzie under the most innocent of circumstances and allow a friendship or romance to blossom. In truth she hardly cared if the Lieutenants came but it would hardly be good manners to exclude them now that they had enchanted Lydia and Kitty.

“ Please think nothing of it. It is an honor to entertain you all at our home. While you are there I daresay you shall have the chance to make the acquaintances of my other two sisters whom were unable to make the trip to Meryton.” Jane said hinting to the fact that she had more family members at home. But rather than presume to set a date without consulting with her mother Jane thought to move on to a different subject.

“ Has any particular reason brought you into Meryton on this fine day? Or are you doing a bit of exploring?” s he asked hoping to garner more information about his general character.

[Mr George Wickham]

Lietentents Sanders and Denny were infintely delighted by the Miss Bennets, their diversion evident in the way they talked loudly and slouched their posture inappropriately toward them. Wickham's calculating eye prompted him to resume his place nearer to the officers to keep them in check, as propriety dictated he not be embarrassed so thoroughly by their provocative behavior. Wickham's proximity sobered the two men and they stood at attention, though the smiles on their faces never faltered.

Denny and Sanders were now more attentive to the group in general, rather than focusing solely on Kitty and Lydia. This opened the two Miss Bennets to the party as well, and soon all were well mannered and jovial again. Relieved by their sucessful transition from ridiculous to more restrained, Wickham felt more suited to again address Miss Bennet. "We are only to winter in Meryton," Wickham spared a glance to his fellow officers who made noises in agreement. "So for that reason, we are insistent upon spending our free time within Meryton's happy company. We wish indeed to take in all that we can while we are here to take it." Wickham's dark eyes sparkled with his true intention, and he turned his head away from Miss Bennet. He was indeed there to take, as he was quite sure his days in the Regiment were limited. This life of discipline, while appealing to the company he kept, was no life for him.

He smile curled for an instant, influenced by these thoughts, but by the time he again regarded Miss Bennet and his sisters, his expression was every inch under his control. There was a crispness to his stance that suggested a dedication to his rank, but an ease and friendliness in his countenance that encouraged this merry party. "How delightful," Wickham returned, intrigued by the fact that there were yet more Bennets to meet, and if they were as silly as Miss Bennet's sisters, they promised Wickham some diversion at least. The prospect of--what was it now, five?--so many sisters seemed perhaps overwhelming: a look to Denny and Sanders found them temporarily silenced as the blinked at the thought. But Wickham was sure it prove good sport, and he readily accepted the challenge.

"It is a pity they were detained. I'm sure we should very much liked to have made their acquaintance. I certainly look forward to your gracious offer." Wickham again nodded his thanks, keeping his hand on his sword as to keep out of the way. Five Bennets: two of them definitely silly, one extraordinarily pretty. Of the silly ones, Wickham knew their acquaintance required little maintenance or fuss: he trusted his uniform alone would enrapture their attention. The pretty one was possibly a case for his further intrigue, but he was vastly curious about the prospect of the other two Bennets.

[MISS JANE BENNET]

Jane could not help but be grateful to Mr. Wickham for saving her sisters from social ruin. Kitty and Lydia walked a very fine line with Mrs. Bennet between propriety and ruin one that Jane had no wish to follow them through. However as much as she wished to sometimes distance herself from her sisters in order to save herself from being tainted by their bad example she couldn’t for she loved them all much to dearly.

Although Jane had their very best interests at heart it was very evident that Lydia and Kitty ignored any pleas from Jane to conduct themselves in a more appropriate manner. However Jane need not disgrace herself by begging her sisters to behave better for Mr. Wickham had come to her rescue. Merely by maneuvering himself closer to the offending officers they sobered up immediately which in turn made Kitty and Lydia not look quite so bad.

“ Only to winter?” she echoed with a somewhat satisfied smile. Only a few months the Lizzie and Jane having to watch their sisters like a hawk around these officers but perhaps just enough time for Jane to work on forming an acquaintance between her dearest sister and Mr. Wickham. “ Indeed, what a pleasant winter it shall be with new friendships being formed.” Jane mused as her sisters nodded in agreement.

Jane was well used to the stares whenever the Bennet family was mentioned. Five daughters was a daunting task for any family. But five daughters of which three were completely ridiculous and an overbearing shrew for a mother was enough to make even the most stalwart of men run to the hills.

“ It is the very least I could do.” she responded absently wondering just when this blessed dinner would take place. However dear Lydia seemed to have solved that conundrum for her, bursting out that the three officers must dine with them this evening. “ Surely we should consult with our mother, before brashly handing out dinner invitations for the same day.” she said to her sister with a forced smile upon her face. Oh dear, perhaps Mr. Wickham had not saved the day at all for Lydia seemed determined to bring them all down with the ship.

[Mr George Wickham]

Mr Wickam watched with amusement as the eldest Miss Bennet strained to upkeep some semblance of formality whilst her sisters were intent upon the very opposite. He caught the look of relief on Miss Bennet's face when the other officers retrained themselves and her sisters followed in suit, and Wickham nearly chuckled to himself. Country manners, he found, were nearly adorable in comparison to the strict manners of town, with which he was raised. His close association with the most influencial family in Derbyshire was no doubt quite a boon; Wickham very easily adapted himself from one social sphere to the next, but not without a merry laugh in the process. The society of Meryton had thus far proved most diverting, but with the absolute rein Wickham had on his features, his company was never to know that it was at their expense which he laughed.

For as Miss Bennet's smile grew tighter and tighter, Mr Wickham's own grin relaxed. He was fully in control of the sway of conversation, as his experience over Sanders and Denny put him in the lead. By exercising a little influence over them, he was pleased to find the two younger Bennet girls adapted to the change in atmosphere. There was a quirk in his brow as he observed the subtle shifts in everyone's demeanor, satisfied that his presence was the strongest.

Miss Bennet commented on the pleasantness of new friendships, to which Wickham and company most heartily agreed. There was a subtle look of calculation in her eye which Wickham took to be a very good sign: doubtless she had mentioned her sisters with, at the very least, the intention of her introducing him to them, if not one in particular. But the antics of her sisters had again taken a firm hold of Miss Bennet's attention, and Mr Wickham saw how very preposterous the invitation soon turned out to be. To dine at Longbourn this very evening? Even in the country, Mr Wickham was sure this was an invitation most inconvenient. For one, it showed that the ridiculous sisters of Miss Bennet cared for little beyond their own amusement as they very well may have impeded on the Regiment's availability. For another, Miss Bennet was right in prompting her sisters to remember that an invitation of their sort must first be brought to the attention of their family, for they held no right in exercising an offer of this kind. The three Lieutenants had the good decency to look away as Miss Bennet whispered urgently to her sisters, but Mr Wickham was loathe to let so amusing an opportunity pass.

"If it should help, I would be honored to formally introduce myself to your excellent family, and my fellows on their behalves. My purpose would solely be to beg invitation, and then we might put this event behind us and begin our acquaintance?" Wickham chose his words carefully so as to not offend either of the two younger Bennets, and simultaneously reassure Miss Bennet. He smiled his eagerly polite smile at her and raised his brows at his suggestion, hoping to entice her to agree. However unconventional their beginnings, Wickham was sure this would become a tale which they might all have a good laugh over one day, or at least promise the Bennets such. He reasoned no mother of five daughters would turn away three very eligible and stable lieutenants in the Regiment, and to this end Mr Wickham was sure Miss Bennet would assume the same conclusion.

[Miss Felicity Cadwallader]

It had taken her forever convince Nicholas that they ought to make an expedition into Meryton that morning. Felicity was vastly becoming aware that her cousin’s existence revolved around dog-eared books he had almost read to rags, a late morning walk, a day comprised of business-talk and an afternoon ride before an early supper. Coming as she did, from a lifetime full of the excitement surrounding a regiment, it was nigh impossible to bear. She loved a country lifestyle, indeed; but not at the expense of an entertainment! She had sat resolutely by him as he had flipped through his book (pretending, no doubt, to not hear her at all) and lamented that she still did not know hardly anyone in town and that it was going to be impossible for her pay calls and be out of the house unless introductions to all the families of the neighbourhood had occurred.

It was little wonder, then, that Nicholas had soon called for the carriage to be brought ‘round.

All the way into town she had sat across from him, exclaiming over how picturesque this field was or how pretty those particular cows. She waved happily to a farmer they passed as he drove his cart full of apples -- quite possibly the last of the summer from Hadleigh -- off the narrow road to make way for them. If he had seemed taken aback then she hadn’t noticed, for her attention had already moved on to consider the rather jolly little patch of daffodils growing on the opposite side of the road. By the time they actually arrived in Meryton, Felicity was already half in love with it (and her cousin was in very dire need of a rather stiff drink). He had removed himself to see to ‘business’, but not before extracting a solemn promise from her that she would meet him back at the carriage stand at a very particular time.

She really had meant to meet him on time. But she also had not anticipated that the stores of such a small township could be such a veritable treasure trove for a young lady! Nicholas had already kindly given her an allowance that was, he had specified, for her incidentals. While there was nothing incidental about the armful of packages she emerged from the haberdasher’s with, she had to own that each purchase would be put to very good use, for she was certain that she had nothing fit to wear in Meryton anyway; most especially in the lead up to the cooler weather (and absolutely in light of the fact that she staunchly insisted on ruining every dress she had by way of her expressly forbidden morning strolls). Felicity struggled with her burden as she went out into the street proper, the new ribbons she had bought wrapped in brown paper and balancing precariously on top of the lot.

There was little enough care taken by the girl who had waved off the helpful advances of the haberdasher in favour of being independent in a way which she thought must please her cousin and she did not see either Miss Bennet, nor her sisters, nor Mr. Wickham nor his friends. In fact, Miss Cadwallader crept carefully past them as she strove to maintain the equilibrium of her balancing act, heading for the aforementioned place where she was to meet her cousin and his carriage. A small smile smacking of self-satisfaction was hidden beneath her numerous purchases, and the fact that she was already really quite late in venturing homeward bound quite escaped her notice altogether.