Posted on Tuesday, 25-Aug-98

Author's Note: For those of you who need reminding (and I confess I did), Fosset is a servant at Netherfield Hall (Fosset, get help, Miss Bennet is ill) and Mrs. Long is an acquaintance of the Bennets, the very one who was to have provided an introduction to Mr. Bingley, the one with two nieces of her own....

here he stood, day after interminable day, hour after hour. Standing, just standing, or sometimes hovering, perhaps shifting, darting the occasional furtive glance at his betters, observing them in all their glory and fortunate circumstance. Waiting, just waiting, with an air of resignation and acceptance, to be called on to perform some required duty. Thus it had been for most of his adult life in various establishments, the most recent being his post in Netherfield Hall.

Fosset was a man of regal bearing, solid understanding and even temper. But for the chance of birth and fortune, he would have been as respected and admired as any fine gentleman. He was not resentful, accepted his position in life with very good grace. He could not help however, the occasional sigh and wish for variety and mental challenge. This had occurred more frequently lately, for lack of rational conversation at the table he watched over. The ladies of the house, although remarkably fine, held no appeal for him. He had very lately been struck by Cupid's arrow and had much cause to repine, for she was a lady and beyond his reach.

It came about one day that cook's errand boy fell ill and was unable to go to Meryton to acquire some necessary items for that evenings dinner party. After applying to the lady of the house Fosset was himself dispatched to complete the errand, it being unusually the case that every other servant was much occupied with preparations. He was far from being regretful. An hour's respite from the usual tedium was good fortune indeed.

And there, in Meryton, outside the milliner's shop, he saw her, and she saw him. She was a tall stout lady of middle years, about his very own age. Good humour sparkled in her eyes, intelligence and liveliness and curiosity radiated from her countenance. Their eyes met briefly as they approached each other. Both were struck at the same moment and stood dumbly, each gazing in wonder at the other. Some moments passed, and reluctantly, they tore away, uncomfortably aware and filled with unfamiliar or long forgotten sensations. Both knew instantly what had passed, and how ridiculous and futile such sentiments were.

Mrs. Long was many years a widow, an incurable gossip and friend of all the ladies in the area. There was nothing, pertinent to anyone else's business, she was not aware of. She knew immediately that this person was a servant at Netherfield Hall. Yet in his eyes she perceived such intelligence, such gentleness, and, she blushed, such restrained passion!!! How well he looked in his uniform, how tall and straight and quite possibly proud. What emotions passed through her on this chance meeting of merely moments. It was not the done thing however and reluctantly, painfully she turned away immeasurably saddened.

What neither party could perceive, indeed they had only had eyes for each other, was that they had been closely observed by a third party. Later that day one gentleman called upon another and the following conversation ensued.

" I tell you Thomas, it was most extraordinary! I seem to be blessed with second sight when it comes to ferreting out suppressed feelings of tenderness and heartfelt love. Something must be done for these poor creatures. You will see for yourself tonight, I am certain there will be ample opportunity to study them. Then we must put our heads together to work out a solution."

Mr. Bennet shook his head gravely, but a twinkle of amusement betrayed him. "Maximillian, I do not know how it is to be done! I fear that this match will not be easily arranged. Always before we have dealt in cases where there was similarity of fortune and in station. As diverting as we have found matchmaking to be, I doubt of our success this time."

"To be certain," replied Mr. Hurst, " it will be a challenge. Fosset is a most worthy fellow, I have often been struck by his sense and good breeding. Though I know nothing of the lady, I do know honest affection when I see it, and I cannot help myself, I must act on this. It will take some doing, I agree. I will begin making enquiries directly."

With a wry laugh Mr. Bennet nodded his assent. "Its just as well you do not know the lady, " he smiled. "Promise me that this time there will be no locking of library doors, no subterfuge?" Mr. Hurst reluctantly agreed, for he did dearly love his share of drama and intrigue.

And so it came to be that some weeks later, the Hursts arrived again at Netherfield Hall, ostensibly to visit with their relations. Truthfully however Mr. Hurst had surprising news for Mr. Bennet, news which would greatly advance their latest project.

After doing much genealogical research, it was discovered that Fosset had been the fourth son of a respectable but rather threadbare gentleman in York. The gentleman had died, and after the discharge of his debts, there had barely been enough left for the eldest son's living. There had been nothing for it, the other son's went into the army to eke out a living as best they could. Fosset however was very young when all this occurred and so was sent to live with a family far away to be put into service.

As it happened, as often happens in such tales, the eldest brother prospered and acquired a tidy fortune. He then died, without having married. His brothers were to inherit. The other brothers had all died, victims of the fortunes of war. There had been some difficulty in locating Fosset, the youngest brother, as many years had passed. Being a servant, the eldest brother had not seen fit to continue the relationship with his unfortunate sibling. The local solicitor, was the executor of the estate and was much relieved to be approached by Mr. Hurst with the information of Fosset's whereabouts.

After consultation with Mr. Bennet and Mr. Bingley, Fosset was summoned and told in the gentlest possible terms of his good fortune. That gentleman, on realizing that he was indeed a gentleman, and a moderately wealthy one, was too shocked to speak for many minutes. Yet the first words he spoke were of his love. "Oh how wonderful!" he enthused, "Agatha and I will be able to marry!" Mr. Hurst and Mr. Bennet beamed with triumph and sent for Mrs. Long immediately.

With great dispatch the match was made and carried out. Within a fortnight the happy couple had removed to Yorkshire to begin their new lives. Mr. Fosset would have much to conquer, in terms of prejudice, for it was well known that he had lived his life as a servant. In time however this would be forgotten, especially as he had enough money and only wanted the company of his dear wife, which made any general disapprobation much less effective. I will only say further, that they lived the remainder of their lives in great happiness, and were always kind to their servants.

FINIS