Mary Bennet and the Return of the Soldier Read online

  Mary Bennet and the Return of the Soldier

  Book Three in the Mary of Longbourn Series

  Carrie Mollenkopf

  Other titles by Carrie Mollenkopf

  The Sequels

  The Redemption of Caroline Bingley

  The Vocation of Mary Bennet

  The Soulmate of Kitty Bennet

  The Stubborn Pride of Lydia Bennet

  The Supernatural

  The Transformation of Georgiana Darcy

  Mary of Longbourn Series

  Mary Bennet and the Longbourn Heiress

  Mary Bennet and the Longbourn Tutor

  Mary Bennet and the Return of the Soldier

  ~Prologue~

  Autumn 1818, Longbourn Estate,

  Mary Bennet tried to compose herself as befitting a young lady of good breeding, but struggled immensely as the flicker of anger that simmered inside her threatened to flare up uncontrollably. How dare she? How dare Lydia ask to stay at Longbourn? Who knew how long her husband’s regiment would be posted again in Meryton. It could be weeks…or even months! The very idea of being forced to share a home with them curdled her breakfast! What was most frustrating was that there was absolutely nothing that could be done to prevent it. Nothing short of Longbourn burning to the ground….

  “I am sorry Mary, but you know your sister. She would make a huge public fuss should I refuse… and then there is your mother. I cannot fight them both, I simply am not up to it anymore,” her father had explained with fatigue evident in his voice as he waved Lydia’s letter at her.

  The little brat had not even made her request to Papa, as was proper. Instead, she had appealed privately in a letter to Mama, knowing that Mrs. Bennet would be overjoyed at the prospect of a constant stream of entertainment. No doubt Longbourn’s parlor and dining table would be overflowing with officers as she tried to marry off the last of her unwed daughters. Well, her efforts would be wasted.

  Sighing, Mary threw herself down on the thick feather mattress of her bed. It had been so pleasant to have the house practically to herself. And, it was hers, hers and Kitty’s. Papa had not yet decided to name an heiress. As Jane and Lizzie had relinquished any claim due to their favorable marriages, and Lydia… well she was simply out of the question… it had come down to just Mary and Kitty. With estates such as Longbourn, it was difficult to legally share it, but if one daughter received the house, the other would be compensated monetarily. At least that was reassuring, and there had been no animosity between them however Papa should choose. Mary reflected on the events of the past two years, ticking them off in her mind as she arranged things according to level of importance and then reshuffling as good and bad images wafted through her thoughts.

  Three of her sisters had married, and two were expecting a child. Jane, due to begin her confinement at any time, was blissfully happy. As for Elizabeth, perhaps it was only she whose match could surpass that of Jane. Now the wife of one Fitzwilliam Darcy and mistress of the grand estate of Pemberley, Lizzie’s world was the one of fairy tales. Only Lydia had not married well, but what was to be expected from the greatest flirt in the entire county? It was only by a small miracle that she had managed to be married at all… a small miracle assisted by great sums of Mr. Darcy’s money. Fortunately, people do forget near scandals as soon as another takes their attentions. Now, Lydia’s marriage was considered respectable if not hasty.

  That had left only Mary and Kitty behind at Longbourn, a cash strapped crumbling estate that struggled to maintain, despite earnings of nearly two thousand a year. However, it had been that exact thing which had led to the discovery of the long lost heiress who died, locked away in Longbourn’s cellars. Her diary, and subsequent discovery of her dowry was what had saved them all. Now, with the entailment dissolved and money no longer a pressing concern, Mary had hoped to simply live a quiet country life, but it had not happened.

  No sooner had she settled upon a private tutor to amend the deficit in her education that problems arose once again. If it had not been for the timely assistance of Dr. Atlas Sutton, as well as her esteemed brother-in-law…well, Mary dared not to contemplate what could have happened. Trust Darcy to always do what was needed for the Bennet family… but as for Atlas…well he was another matter entirely.

  At first, Mary had taken an instant dislike to the young doctor when he had assumed the role of Meryton’s only physician. He had teased her most cruelly about her clothes and blunt manner. Although, she had to admit now that she cast her share of insults. He was hardly what was considered fashionably handsome. Deep auburn hair that was cropped short and angular features resembled a predatory bird instead of a man, but it did make him stand out from the rest of the foppish men of her acquaintance. With his knowledge of medicine, particularly in the new field of forensics, they had formed a sort of truce to solve the identity of the long dead Longbourn ancestor. His insults turned to complements on her observant nature and ability to assist him in his examinations. Eventually, somehow…Mary did not quite know when… she had fallen in love with him.

  It had taken nearly a year for her to realize her feelings were genuine and had recently accepted his proposal. However, it was to remain a secret. Only Papa knew and was bound to keep his silence until they were ready to make an announcement. While she knew she loved him, and they would eventually marry, she wanted it to be in her time. Being the middle child of five beautiful sisters, Mary had gotten used to being slighted, but no more. She would have her wedding when the time was right and not before.

  “You won’t make me wait until I am an old man?” Atlas had teased when Mary insisted upon secrecy.

  “No...But for once in my life I want to be the center of attention. At least for one day.”

  “You will be the center of my attentions everyday… for the rest of our lives,” he promised, but agreed to keep silent, save for telling her father.

  “Thank you… It won’t be long…a year at most… I promise. I just want everything to be perfect.”

  “It will be … It will be.”

  ~One~

  November…

  “Mister Bennet! Kitty! Mary! They have arrived! My girl has come home!” screeched Mrs. Bennet as she lifted her skirts above the ankles and ran to the front entry of Longbourn.

  True to her observations, a small carriage rounded the final turn from the main road to enter the crushed gravel drive of Longbourn. Waving through the open window was Lydia Bennet Wickham, shouting just as loud as her mother. The two conducted nearly an entire conversation by the time the horses pulled to a stop, allowing the occupants to alight and make an actual greeting. By now, the remaining Bennets had made their way to the entry and stood with mixed expressions as Lydia and Wickham approached.

  In the nearly two years since their hasty marriage and subsequent posting at Newcastle, much had changed in the couple’s appearance. Lydia, clad in the latest fashions, had lost the former plumpness of her youth. Now, nearing just eighteen years, she looked well beyond as her cheekbones were sharp and pale. However, her eyes were bright and danced in the sunlight as she chattered away, keeping one possessive hand upon her husband’s arm. Wickham, rather silent from what Mary could recall of his overflowing false charm, walked with a pronounced limp that he assisted with the use of a silver topped cane. Wearing his regimental uniform, the gold braid identified his current rank of captain. Filled with curious questions, Mary bit her tongue and followed her family inside. No doubt, Lydia would be well prepared to provide a complete history of her life in Newcastle. Mary only need suffer through it until dinner was over. Unfortunately, it was just past noon, hours to pass before she could politely be
excused. At least she had not been asked to refrain from her work assisting Atlas in his surgery while Lydia was here. Never confidants or even friends, Mary was relieved that Lydia would spend her days with Kitty and Mama for companionship, leaving Mary to her own devices. But for the moment, she must appear pleased to see Lydia again.

  “My goodness, it is good to be home again! Oh! Not that I don’t simply adore our charming little cottage in officers row at the fort in Newcastle, but Longbourn will always be home.”

  “Of course my girl, and you shall always be welcome… you too Mr. Wickham,” insisted Mrs. Bennet with a cautious eye on her husband.

  Mr. Bennet had sworn to never receive George Wickham at Longbourn, yet here the man was, once again. Glaring at the younger man, where he idly twirled his cane and scanned the room, Mr. Bennet wondered for what he was looking. No doubt inspecting the improvements that had been made since the Wickham’s last were guests. Mrs. Bennet had not spared any money in her refurbishments. Even Mary had indulged her mother. “What harm can it be Papa? Besides, it will keep her occupied for some time.”

  Now, as he studied the soldier, his curiosity won out and he dared to join the conversation.

  “George… I see you have been promoted? Are those Captains bars?” he asked innocuously.

  Before Wickham could supply any answer besides a prideful wry smile, Lydia interjected.

  “Yes Papa… George was promoted for his bravery during a recent training exercise. Some of the new volunteers had gotten their directions mixed up and accidentally fired cannon on another regiment during a night exercise. My poor husband was thrown some distance by the blast as he tried to save them. As you can see, he now walks with a cane… his back and legs pain him terribly. That is why we have come back to Meryton with the regiment. George is to be pensioned out.”

  “We don’t know that for sure yet, my dear,” insisted Wickham as he all too obviously shifted his seated position and winced visibly.

  “But of course you will. The crown owes you for your service and will pay handsomely. We shall be well settled and may inquire as to taking a house in the area,” Lydia insisted.

  “That is wonderful!” blurted Mrs. Bennet before the realization of what she had said aloud sank in.

  “I mean… it is really quite horrid that you are injured, but think of how nice it would be to have everyone about again. Perhaps you might see our Dr. Sutton? He has done wonders for my various pains, I am sure he could be of assistance… should you be fortunate enough to stay.” Mrs. Bennet added hastily.

  Mary rolled her eyes as she envisioned what Atlas would think of Lydia and Wickham once introduced. Would he rethink his marriage proposal knowing that he would be forever connected to such a pair?

  “Thank you, Mama Bennet, I shall make myself known to him immediately,” Wickham replied and awkwardly shifted again as if the very mention of a doctor pained him. Seeing his all too blatant display of discomfort, Lydia rose and offered him her arm.

  “Oh Mama! Do excuse us both, but I fear the journey has been most fatiguing. I assume that we shall be staying in Jane and Lizzie’s old chamber? After all, it is the largest.”

  Mrs. Bennet nodded and accompanied her youngest child and her invalid husband above stairs, leaving Mary with her father as Kitty trailed after her mother.

  “Well Mary, what do you make of that?” queried Mr. Bennet once they were alone.

  The news, while at first seemed incredible and perhaps another one of Lydia’s exaggerations, soon reared its ugly reality. Lydia was home for good…with George Wickham in tow. In the short time since their arrival, Lydia had already staked her claim upon the household. It was going to be unbearable.

  “I realize that Lydia is my sister… but…”

  “I know my dear... I know, but bear it we must, at least for the present.”

  “I will try… but I will not make any promises to be amiable.”

  Mr. Bennet only nodded and gave his middle child a kiss on her forehead before making his own escape to the domain of his library. Once inside, he locked the door and poured himself a double brandy. Indeed, having Lydia and Wickham back was going to be a trial to them all.

  ~Two~

  One week later….

  Mary spent the first week of Lydia’s return chastising herself for her uncharitable thoughts against her sister. As it was, they had hardly crossed paths except for the occasional dinner when Lydia and Wickham were actually in residence. She had spent the better part of her time making calls upon her old acquaintances and engaged in social activities arranged by the regiment. Aside from the grumbles overheard from the servants about the extra laundry and plans for a large dinner party sometime soon, Mary would not have known they were even there. If anything, the house was often empty save for her father as Mama and Kitty accompanied Lydia everywhere.

  Wearily, Mary climbed the stairs and entered her chamber, desperately needing a nap before dinner. Hopefully, tonight would not be filled with guests as she wanted to relay her visit with Jane to the family. It had already been a long day by the time Mary had accompanied Atlas to Netherfield. Jane was due to have her baby before Christmas, but Atlas was concerned that she would not last that long.

  “She really has gotten enormous. Ever since I suspected there might be more than one baby, Jane has been rather nervous.”

  “I do wish you had not told her,” Mary chastised. She knew Jane far better than Atlas. A surprise second child would be seen as a blessing after the fact, but now, the possibility only made Jane frantic.

  “I thought it best to be prepared before time,” Atlas countered. He was not one to hide facts from a patient, believing the hard truth was always best regardless of disposition.

  Mary only shook her head and hoped that when Jane’s time came Atlas would be close by. When they had broken for a short luncheon that day, they had been disturbed by a sharp knock on the surgery door, despite the sign indicating their intentions to resume within the hour. Thinking it was some sort of emergency, Atlas had yanked open the door only to find a man of middle years wearing a regimental uniform.

  “Dr. Atlas Sutton?” asked the officer wearing the esteemed rank of colonel.

  “Yes… Is there some sort of problem requiring medical attention?”

  “Only the King’s business,” he replied and handed Atlas a letter bearing the royal seal of England.

  Surprised, Atlas beckoned the man inside and shut the door behind as Mary entered the reception room to greet the visitor.

  Atlas paused as he broke the wax and made introductions.

  “May I present Miss Mary Bennet, my assistant,” Atlas began before realizing that he did not know the soldier’s name.

  “Colonel Dr. Edmund Silverton, at your service,” he replied, clicking his heels as he bowed over Mary’s hand. He found it rather unusual to find a woman assistant in a surgery, but over the course of a thirty year military career, he had learned to appreciate competent medical help in all forms.

  “What is this about Atlas?” Mary asked.

  “It appears that my services are required for the duration of the regiment’s stay in Meryton. Now that I have taken over the practice from Dr. Crowley, this responsibility has also become mine. Apparently, it also comes with the honorary rank of captain,” he explained and handed her the single sheet for her perusal.

  “As the only doctor for a complement of over three hundred men, not including recruits, it is simply too much for one to manage. We have always relied upon the assistance of locals for things like general physicals and complaints, no field work required… I assure you, unless absolutely necessary.”

  “I should be happy to provide whatever services are needed. It should be a pleasant change from treating hemorrhoids and nervous complaints,” Atlas replied with a chuckle.

  “Oh I cannot promise that you will not encounter that as well, but I understand… a quiet country practice can often be dull for we men of science,” agreed Colonel Silverton.


  Mary nearly laughed aloud at the colonel’s assessment of Meryton’s medical history. While most of it was true, she doubted he had encountered two murders in the same amount of years. However, he had probably seen his share of atrocities to the human body due to warfare, something she was happy to not have experienced.

  “It is paid of course, but it will require at least two days a week duty for general sick call. The men can be directed here or you may use my allotted quarters.”

  “If it is not too much trouble, I prefer my own equipment, and would not want to leave Miss Bennet alone when she must see to the townsfolk.”

  “As you wish, beginning next week, it will be known that you are available here,” he agreed and after a few minutes of polite conversation, took his leave.

  Now, as Mary and Atlas made their way to Netherfield, she concentrated her thoughts on Jane’s confinement. There had never been twins in the Bennet family. Mary wondered if they would be the same gender, or perhaps one of each. Smiling at the idea of a matching layette, she planned on constructing something personal for the babies, should she ever have time…

  Charles Bingley greeted them in the foyer of Netherfield the moment they arrived. He had hoped to speak privately before Atlas went in to examine his wife. Leading them into his private study, Bingley closed the door, but only after scanning the hall for any other persons.

  “Unfortunately, with a house filled with servants…and my sister Caroline, it is difficult to have any real privacy,” he lamented with a wry smile.

  “What can I…I mean… we, do for you?” Atlas asked.

  “It’s Jane… I am very worried about her, but she refuses to admit to any distress. She simply smiles, and denies anything is wrong, but I know my wife. There is pain behind her eyes.”