Chapter Text
News that their very own Charlotte Lucas had won the Mayden Fayre lottery rocked the residents of Meryton and its surrounds.
Soon it was known that she had not even purchased the winning ticket herself, and could offer no ideas as to who had laid out the twenty pounds to secure it on her behalf.
Who would do such a thing? The neighbors whispered amongst themselves.
No answers were forthcoming.
***
Despite her reluctance to leave her hometown, it was necessary that she go to London to secure her prize.
You’re a celebrity now, Charlotte. Her friend, Elizabeth Bennett teased her.
Lizzy, you must take my place on the organ at church this Sunday. Charlotte pleaded.
I suppose, Elizabeth agreed reluctantly.
What do you want me to bring back for you? Charlotte asked.
A copy of The London Times with your interview. You know that you shall have to give at least one, don't you?
Oh, how I dread this publicity! Charlotte whined, wringing her hands in a rare show of nerves.
You know - if I won the lottery - I would be very selective of the newspaperman and the sketch artist that I allowed to interview me. In fact, I do believe that I would insist -with a generous purse - that only a most flattering sketch of my person and character be made available for the world to see and read.
Charlotte fixed her friend with the level gaze that others found disconcerting.
I do believe that you are right, Lizzy. That would be a prudent investment. What else would you do? Charlotte asked.
I would buy a parrot and teach the bird to say “NO”, so I wouldn’t have to.
Charlotte laughed.
Lizzy, on second thought, could I convince you to come with me to London and be my companion and help me through all the hubbub?
Yes, you could. Elizabeth said airily. I shall be your wordsmith and sing your praises. For nobody knows you better than me, dear Charlotte.
***
Yes, indeed! My friend loves to laugh. This is such a good sketch of her! All I know is that this couldn’t have happened to a better person. Charlotte is very devout and plays the organ at our church. She is devoted to her parents, Sir William and Lady Lucas, and sets an excellent example for her younger sister, Mariah. She is delightful with children and is kind to animals...
... I know not the particulars, only that she remains true to the memory of her intended, who was lost at sea. While she refuses to talk about him, I may safely venture that she does not expect to find a man who would measure up to him. Now that she is rich, I’m sure that many will come with condolences, claiming his acquaintance…
Charlotte reads this last paragraph with large eyes and looks over at Elizabeth, who bursts out laughing at her shocked expression.
It is impossible to disprove, Elizabeth exclaims with an impish look. You never talk about him, after all.
Charlotte frowns.
What's the harm with my stratagem? Elizabeth asks innocently. You can deny it all, and say that you have no idea to whom I referred, she adds.
Do I at least get to know his name? Charlotte asks her friend with a resigned sigh.
Smith Barney.
***
Winner of the Mayden Fayre! Read all about her! Shout the newspaper boys on the streets of London. They quickly sell out.
A flattering sketch of Charlotte with laughing eyes and her hand covering her mouth is printed on the front page of The Times, along with an expose, most of it scripted by Elizabeth, and all of it painstakingly reviewed and approved by her.
Lottery ticket sales skyrocket.
In the meantime, two gentlemen race towards Netherfield, blissfully unaware.