Chapter 26
Her father had paused in his recitation of the good fortune which had been given to the Bennet family. He sat smiling as his father celebrated their good fortune. When they all finally quieted down he called for Hill. He asked for wine to be brought. And he had added for her to please join the family and bring a glass for herself; Hill had been as surprised as any of rest of them. For it was unheard of for a servant. Even one as beloved as Hill to be asked to drink with the family. She blushed but nodded.
No one questioned Mr Bennet edict they merely waited for Hill to return with the wine brought in by herself and Sally. Once Sally had left, her father instructed Hill to take a seat. She looked flustered until Mrs Bennet waved her to her side saying, “sit by me Hill,” taking her hand as she reached her Mistresses’ side.
“Thank you Hill,” her father said, sipping his wine. “I am discussing with the family some changes in circumstances brough on by the Prince Regent’s visit,” he said, and Hill nodded but it was obvious she was still uncomfortable in such an unaccustomed place.
“You may as well know Hill, in the first point. The Prince Regent has seen fit to break the entail on Longbourn.”
Hill’s joy on hearing this news was good as if Mr Bennet had gifted Longbourn to her. She had known Fanny Gardiner since they were both girls. Her mistress had not been borninto the gentry. But as the daughter of a country solicitor she had been higher in station to Martha Hill. But they had nevertheless played together as girls.
Martha had already been a housemaid in the Bennet household when Fancy had married Thomas Bennet. This had been the jump in station which had made Mrs Bennet her mistress rather than a friend. Martha knew Fancy had never forgotten the friendship of their younger days. For when the old housekeeper retired, Mrs Bennet offered the role to her. She had always tried to repay her Mistress for this by being a stalwart friend as well as housekeeper. She looked round with happiness at the girls that she had helped to raise. There being no governess in the home until recently.
“I mentioned other gifts,” he continued. “We,” he said, looking at his lady wife, “are to be elevated.” As the meaning of the word sunk in Elizabeth was most impressed by her father’s foresight. For her mother nearly swooned and only Hill’s holding her hand kept her from sinking to the floor. Hill also seemed now to understand the reason for her presence. Elizabeth saw her shoulders relax.
“I,” he said, standing up and going to his wife. “Am to be made an Earl,” and at this her mother did faint and began to sink to the floor. Hill immediately, knew what to do. Her father and Hill, with the aid of her daughters, got Mrs Bennet back to the sofa and her feet elevated. Hill pulled smelling salts from her pocked.
Sometime later she admitted to Elizabeth that she had brought them with her when she was bringing wine. For she had thought she might need them herself!
When Mrs Bennet had adequately recovered. He took Hill’s place beside her. But when Hill went to accuse herself, he instructed her to stay. He then confirmed, “you Mrs Bennet are to be Lady Meryton, and I am to be Lord Meryton.”
At this the whole room broke out in laughter. Elizabeth had to admit the was more than an edge of hysteria in her own laugher. And she was sure this was echoed by everyone else.
Her father than continued and the gifts and rewards be bestowed on the family were enormous. Starting with the gift of Netherfield Park, which had been the ancestorial home of the previous Lord Meryton. Whose line Mr Bennet had been peripherally connected to. Other properties which were unoccupied in Meryton which had once been part of that estate had also been awarded as part of the Earldom. This included Haye Park, the great house at Stoke, and Purvis Lodge. A final property was added a house in Mayfair.”
“Mrs Bennet,” he said, once the furore died down. “There is one other matter in relation to Longbourn.” He said and everyone went quiet. “Mrs Fitzherbert suggested, and I agreed that on my death, Longbourn will be left to you.”
“To me,” her mother said in a whisper.
“Yes, to you. You may wish to use it as your primary residence or a holiday home. And you may leave it to whomever you choose on your demise.”
Mrs Bennet looked like to faint again a number of times in the course of the recitation. But this final piece had Hill pulling out the smelling salts.
Her father had also confirmed that a sum of money, the amount of which had not been revealed had also been gifted. This was in recognition of the costs necessitated by their elevation.
And then the final piece of news which explained Hill’s attendance.
“Finally Hill,” he said. “Mrs Fitzherbert was most impressed by you.” And Hill blushed. “And indeed my good lady wife spoke often of how she could not do without you.”
“Oh, but I am not fine enough to be the housekeeper for an Earl,” she said. Thinking that Mr Bennet was to award her such a prestigious position.
“Not housekeeper Hill,” he said. “Or I must say Mrs Hill,” giving her an honorific which would normally be given to the housekeeper of an Earl. Such nomenclature seeming to belie his confirmation. “You are to be elevated to companion to Lady Meryton.” And this time Hill did nearly faint.
“Companion?” she asked, her voice of whisper.
“Companion,” Mrs Bennet echoed. “Oh what a good thing. I shall not be so frightened being a Lady with you by side. My dearest friend.”
And dearest friend, was Mrs Hill’s true position in their household. Her mother’s only real confidant. Aunt, wiper of tears and bandager of wounds. Ally and secret keeper of all within the Bennet household.
“But I am a mere servant,” she said, her eyes filled with both wonder and fear.
“It will not be an easy transition,” Lord Meryton confirmed. “You will have to leave us for some months. You will be going to Scotland to stay with a lady who will be your teacher. And you will join us in London as Mrs Hill come Easter. No one in society will ever know your background.”
“I will miss you,” Lady Meryton said, “but then we will have each other.” And Mrs Hill took her first step from being a servant and hugged her Mistress. And so set off another round of hugs. With only her father refraining this time.
“We will not be long in likewise departing Longbourn,” her father said. “In three days we will depart for London. Mrs Fitzherbert has agreed to ease our introduction to society. So as of tomorrow make ready my dears.”
