Page 19 of Miss Bennet's Dragon
Your mother.”
She enclosed a letter from Charlotte, addressed to me at Longbourn. I broke the seal and read in growing shock, then looked up at the concerned expressions around me.
“The Lucases’ tunnelworm—their bound draca—is dead.”
9
DRACA DEATHS
I visitedthe Lucases the next morning, benefiting from the loan of the Bingleys’ carriage and the gift of being unaccompanied by the Bingley sisters. They felt, correctly, that they did not know the Lucases well enough to visit so soon after misfortune.
Lady Lucas was red-eyed and fluttery. I had known her since I was a child, so I hugged her tight. I was not as close to her husband, but he was sadder to see. Sir William’s jovial bluster had crumpled. He sat in silence, then abruptly started a strange boast of expecting condolences from a duke. That stopped mid-sentence, and his lips worked until his wyfe took his hand.
Had this been a family death, I would, unfortunately, have known what to say. But I struggled to express my condolences. There was no protocol or precedent to guide me.
Draca are hardy beasts. They never seem to die, at least not of old age. They are not invulnerable; a musket or heavy weapon can penetrate their scales. But they are dangerous and resilient, and they are considered outside of gentlemanly conflict—embargoed against violence, both as a symbol of gentry honor and because they cannot be trained to fight, so they are not a threat.
After I visited the family, Charlotte and I retired to talk in the garden. Charlotte is a wonderful friend, sensible and practical, and she was completely calm.
“I was surprised,” she explained, “but Lucas Lodge is not entailed like your estate, and our prestige is secured by my father’s knighthood, which he willremember soon enough, and then cherish even more.” She was smiling, and I laughed at that. “In truth, it was only a tunnelworm, no great badge of honor. I did not care for it. Indeed, I wonder sometimes whether I will be able to bind. Draca frighten me. They are ugly, vicious creatures.”
My recent fascination disagreed, but this was not the time to praise draca, so I acknowledged her feelings.
Then I asked, “But how could your draca die?”
“We do not know. My mother found it dead when she went out in the morning. There was no mark or injury. Only a strange smell, like oranges and burned almonds, which faded. Perhaps that was a symptom of death. Nobody has experience with this.” Her brow wrinkled. “Our neighbor suggested sickness. A draca plague.”
“One death does not make a plague.”
“No, but I thought of you. For if Longbourn…”
“You are a good friend to worry about us, but our drake is quite healthy.”
“Oh! How is Jane?” Charlotte caught my hand. “I should have asked sooner.”
“She is better now. But she was frighteningly ill. You cannot imagine my relief to see her cheerful and sitting up in bed.”
“Is she well enough to enjoy her visit, then?” Charlotte said archly.
“You mean Mr. Bingley?”
“Of course. I saw them together at the ball.” I smiled back, and she continued, “Lizzy, promise me you will advise Jane to secure him promptly. There is no benefit in delay. Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. It is best to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life.”
“Charlotte!” I laughed. “I shall do no such thing. That is excessively cynical.”
The Lucases lived near Meryton,so I walked there afterward. The carriage had returned to Netherfield to collect the Bingley sisters, and we planned to meet in town.
I walked the few minutes with an increasingly foul attitude. I was not eager to be serenaded by the sisters’ false concern for the Lucases.
The Bingley carriage had not yet arrived, but Lydia, Kitty, and Mary wereoutside the haberdashery with some officers, including Mr. Wickham. He offered his arm, and I latched on, amused at my behavior after scoffing at Charlotte’s advice.
Lydia rewarded me with a grumpy expression. Mr. Wickham was now resplendent in his scarlet regimental uniform.
Fortunately, there were officers enough, including one for Mary. She tended to be stranded when competing with Lydia and Kitty, who were aggressive in securing gentlemen. Of course, I had snatched Mr. Wickham without even considering her. That was an uncomfortable thought, although it turned out all right in the end.
Pondering the dynamics of five unmarried sisters, I watched Mary converse with her companion. She was smiling, but to my eye, her pleasure seemed forced. I was not sure what was wrong, but I wished she were happier.
I returned my attention to Mr. Wickham, but he seemed distracted. I followed his gaze.
