Lydia's Just Desserts

Mrs. Younge started in outrage as the two men who had questioned Lydia forced their way in, followed by soldiers from the militia, two of whom seized the cruel madam while the others separated the men from the two sisters. Lydia and Kitty sobbed and collapsed into each others' arms as the soldiers clapped Mrs. Younge in irons.
"Mrs. Younge, you are under arrest for kidnap, solicitation, running a bawdy house and other crimes as will be specified after a search of these premises." He nodded to the soldiers. "Take her away."
He turned toward the men, who had been sullenly but hastily dressing and looking toward the door.
"I shall require the names and the lodgings of each of you. If I do not have your full cooperation in prosecuting those responsible for the running of this house, you may face charges yourself. Do you understand?"
The men muttered and lined up to give the required information. Two of the soldiers draped their jackets over the sobbing girls and the regimental captain addressed them softly.
"We will bring you clothing in a moment. Then I'm afraid you will have to be examined by a doctor, but soon you will be with your uncle. I know this has been a very trying time for both of you, Misses Bennett."
The soldiers led them out and to a waiting carriage. For once, Lydia had no eye for the officers.


Eliza swallowed hard as she faced Darcy.
"I have heard of the fate from which you rescued my sisters, sir," she said quietly, looking at the ground. "You have my every appreciation."
Darcy gazed at her intently, and his hands found hers, their walk forgotten.
"My dear Miss Bennett, I can only apologize that I did not find them sooner. But Mrs. Younge was sloppy in her avarice. If those soldiers had not followed Catherine, I may never have found that house or Lydia."
"I realize that Lydia's circumstance when she was discovered was one of the most compromising," she said. "It it a disgrace upon my family and name, and I cannot believe that you wish still to renew your suit."
"If Mr. Reynold could love your sister after seeing all that he saw in that terrible room, could I find any fault with you, who is innocent of any harm?"
Eliza blushed.
"I'm afraid Lydia will learn no lesson from all her misfortune since she has the good fortune of being wed to an officer after all."
"No, Eliza, she will, she must, take this opportunity to wed, but no one could say that she is no wiser for her calamity.She did solemnly thank the officers for their intervention, but her forward ways are a thing of the past. I have no doubt that she will make a most respectable young matron."
"And I have also learned," she said, looking up at Darcy at last. "That you are the kindest of men."
Darcy pulled her closer and looked into her eyes.
"Do you then forget my prideful ways and accept my proposal?"
"Yes, I do," she said softly, and met his smile with a kiss. His arms wrapped and her and pulled her close to him as the kiss deepened. The wind ruffled the leaves about them as they sank into the embrace.
"Lizzie, oh Lizzie," she heard Mary cry and they broke apart as her sister scurried into view. Mary ignored their flushed and guilty looks as she summoned them back to the house. With a long look at each other, Eliza and Darcy followed her back into her home.