Mr. Bennet looked at his wife, his face pinched. Lydia giggled. “Never mind, Papa. I have learned my behavior was inappropriate, and I know how to comport myself as becomes a gentlewoman. But that does not change the fact that I like to be admired.”
“Were there any men working at your school, Lydia?” Mrs. Bennet asked anxiously.
“No, Mamma. Only the dancing master, who came to teach us figures. He never lingered, and he was older than Papa. We were not tempted, and Mrs. Lewis arranged it so. She knew what manner of young women her students were.”
Mr. Bennet said dryly, “I am glad of that. It is why I selected that school in the north, to keep you safe from the wiles of men.”
Lydia’s eyes narrowed. “Whatever became of Captain Carter? He was handsome, but I see now he meant no good by me and meant to ruin me at his leisure. We were often alone. When he began sending notes for clandestine meetings, it was no longer chance; it was planned.” She shivered. “My life would be very different now had things gone further. My angel was watching over me.”
Her father’s brows drew together. “It appears you have learned something of the world and of worldly men, who care not whom they ruin so long as their own desires are gratified.”
“Yes, Papa. I saw tragic things at that school in Nottinghamshire. The wildest girls were sent there. Over the years, I have seen the ruin of many, but these, in particular, remain with me. My dearest friend, Melissa, went home for Christmas. I received one letter from her, an admonishment. She begged me to follow the rules and warned me against men. At the village Christmas assembly, she met the very man whose misconduct had first occasioned her removal to the school. He seduced her, and she was left with child. As he was already married, he could not make her his wife, and her father forced her into a marriage with a tradesman in the north. She is dead to her family. I have often cried for her. That changed me. I realized it was up to me to protect myself.”
Mr. Bennet nodded slowly. “Captain Carter did not ruin any of our neighbors. After I placed you in school, I thought to myself, why should Lydia be the only one to suffer? I paid a visit to Colonel Forster and informed him about the kind of man Carter was. I did not name you, but I told him of the man’s ways and intentions. The colonel investigated and discovered that Carter had gained a reputation for trifling with girls. He sought out the very young, fourteen and fifteen-year-old children. The colonel dismissed him. During the course of the inquiry, he discovered that another officer, Captain Denny, was also engaging in the same practice. He was also dismissed from the regiment.”
Lydia shook her head and pursed her lips. “Denny was also my good friend. I am surprised he never tried to entice me. Perhaps I was too young for his tastes.” She turned the subject. “Are we invited to visit Lizzy when Jane makes her visit?”
“She did send an invitation, and I accepted with a caveat.” Mr. Bennet looked directly into Lydia’s eyes. “I told her that I must first see how you behaved. I needed to determine if my grandchildren would be safe around you. Lizzy and Mr. Darcy take prodigious care of William and Richard, and Jane of Charles and James. All of us are careful about who may be around the children.”
Lydia returned his look. “Do I pass inspection?”
He smiled at his youngest daughter. “You do. You have matured.”
Lydia turned to her mother, laughing. “I met Mr. Darcy at the Gouldings’ picnic. His sister and I raced with ribbons, and we both ended up in the bushes. He helped us up and cheered us on, as did his handsome cousin.” She smiled slyly. “What became of him? He is married, I imagine.”
“Yes,” Mrs. Bennet said. “Richard Fitzwilliam married his cousin Anne. They live in Kent and have a son. She is expecting another soon.”
“And what of Alexander Lucas? I was shocked when Papa wrote to tell me Lizzy was marrying another. The entire neighborhood knew she would someday marry Alexander.”
Mrs. Bennet shook her head. “A sad business. He abandoned Lizzy when Mary King inherited her fortune. When Lizzy married Mr. Darcy, Alexander came to his senses, but it was too late. He had lost her. He sailed to the West Indies and worked there for years with his uncle. He returned a month ago to take over the estate. Sir William fell and broke his ankle. It seemed a small injury, but he could not walk on that leg, so they sent for Alexander to come home.”
Lydia sniffed. “I hope he has learned his lesson. He was a fool to let Lizzy slip away. I hope she never forgives him.”
Mrs. Bennet pressed Lydia’s hand. “Never mind. Lizzy is very happily married. She has two fine boys and is expecting her third. She has a fine house, and Mr. Darcy adores her. She forgave Alexander long ago.”
Chapter 93: An Unexpected Match
Lydia stepped into the shop and let the colors and scents envelop her. The haberdashery was bright, with bolts of fabric, ribbons, and displays of a myriad of items, including gloves, stockings, and handkerchiefs. Memories came over her, and she thought of her five sisters, now scattered in various parts of England.
“Lydia, I have finished my purchases, but there is no need for you to hurry. I am going to my sister Phillips. Wait for me here.”
Lydia moved to the lace and studied each pattern. She needed a fichu and hoped to begin work on it that evening. The bell above the door chimed, and she heard her name.
“Lydia, you are home!”
It was Maria Lucas who ran forward at once. The two young women embraced warmly.
“Maria, how well you look! How are you?” Lydia held her hands and examined her friend.
“I am very well, Liddie,” Maria replied. “I am to be married next month to Christopher Goulding. He was away at school, but now he has returned, and we met and fell in love. It has been so romantic!”
Lydia smiled as she looked at her friend, who had grown tall and whose figure had filled out. She was no longer the thin, freckled girl she had once been. “I am very happy for you, Maria.” She drew her into another embrace. “I have missed you so. And how is Charlotte?”
Maria laughed. “Charlotte was on the point of inviting me to Derbyshire to see if she might find me a husband, but I met Mr. Goulding in the meantime, and so there was no need. She had begun to fear I should never find a match here in Meryton.”
“Charlotte lives in Derbyshire? Does she live anywhere near Elizabeth?” Lydia asked quickly.
“Why, yes. Lizzy found her a husband. Did she not write to you?”
