Lizzy sat on her father’s lap, “Thank you for allowing me to go, papa. I have had so many adventures in my life and I know it is all thanks to you. Most other papas would have told me to behave myself and to cease my nonsense. You allowed me to learn and to teach myself and for others, like Miss Carter and Will and Mr. Darcy, to show me so many wonderful things in the world. Thank you, papa. I will make you proud. Even if I do not get Longbourn, Will has promised me I could live with him so I would not be a burden to anyone, and I know Cousin William will take good care of mama and my sisters if something were to happen to you.” She leaned her head on his chest, “I will write books and study sciences and perhaps be employed by King George himself!”
Her father chuckled, “I believe you can do anything you wish, child. I know you have a unique friendship with William Darcy and he will be good to you for the rest of your life. I know you think of him like a brother, Lizzy, but is there no chance...”
“I don’t understand why you think I would ever marry him, papa!” Lizzy laughed, “He is my friend and like a brother to me and you know I will never marry anyone.”
“Perhaps not William but someone else?” Mr. Bennet winked. “Perhaps a dashing officer in uniform might catch your eye?”
Lizzy laughed, “I think not, papa. Jane might be interested in marrying in two years but I will be an old maid and I don’t mind it one bit. I wish to wear my trousers and sneak into horse races and climb trees all of my life.”
Mr. Bennet conceded, “Come and show me your book, Lizzy. I will have to concede to the fact that my second daughter will be an authoress and possibly an actress on stage.” He smiled and sat her next to his desk. “We must have you practice more of your French and Italian if you are to be a competent actress, and I will instruct Mrs. Porter to add it to your schedule. It means less time in your tree and more in your books.”
“Yes, papa!” Lizzy brought her leather journal to show him what she had so far.
It was titled The Odyssey of Will & Liam and Mr. Bennet laughed loudly several times as he read the first few chapters. The story described his beloved daughter perfectly as a young man and the friendships between the two characters were like William and Lizzy’s. It was an amusing book and Mr. Bennet was impressed with the writing skills of his thirteen-year-old daughter, and he assisted in a few spelling errors and ideas for development of the characters. He hoped that with Mr. Darcy and Edward Gardiner’s support, she would be able to have her book published when she finished it and she would achieve her goal of becoming an authoress. Mr. Bennet was immensely proud of his favourite daughter and knew she could accomplish anything she wished.
~*~
April 1807
“I’m certain I’m dying, Mrs. Anne,” Lizzy groaned as she lay in bed with a damp cloth over her forehead. “I must have the illness that you had. Perhaps you can share some of your draughts with me? I am dying and so far from home... Will you send for my father? I don’t think I have long to live...”
Lady Anne giggled and hid her mouth with her hands. “You are not dying, dear Lizzy. This is something that all women have to suffer and I am surprised you have not been told of it yet. Has not Jane explained some of it to you?”
Lizzy complained, “I don’t understand what you mean. Jane said nothing about it and you know how reserved she is. What do you mean ‘all women have to suffer’? Do you mean to tell me that this is normal?!”
“Yes, Lizzy,” Lady Anne laughed. “All women after a certain age, must have this monthly discomfort and it is the way our bodies tell us that we are ready to become mothers soon. Your body will develop and you will look more fuller in certain places and soon enough, I would say in a year or so, you will look like a lady who is ready to be out. I had my first event when I was twelve and some girls, I have heard, start as young as ten or eleven.”
“Good lord, how is it that I know nothing about this?” Lizzy exclaimed. “Why are there no books about this? Why is this the first time I’m hearing about this?!”
Lady Anne sat next to her in bed and stroked her hair, “Be calm, my dear Lizzy. This is something that all women go through every month and you will feel the ups and downs of your emotions and your body will change rapidly from now for the next months and years. I am certain there are books about it and if you would like, I will ask Mr. Darcy to see if he has anything in our library.” She laughed when Lizzy shook her rapidly in embarrassment. “He is fully aware of your predicament, having been married to me for three and twenty years. I believe it will be in a medical publication and it will be educational for you.”
Lizzy calmed, “I’ll be certain to study it carefully, Mrs. Anne. Can you tell me more about your experience? Are there things I can and can’t do?”
Lady Anne patiently explained how a woman’s body functioned and the changes to expect, and assuaged the young girl of fourteen who was
