She was jarred as she heard her mother’s voice ring out, shrill and distinct, across the churchyard. Looking about to see whom her mother addressed, she spied her standing before Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, gesticulating with her arms and all but pinning them against the wall.
“My sister lives in town and deals in silks, but she is vastly genteel,” cried Mrs. Bennet. “You would hardly know my brother is a linen-draper. I declare, you would do well to shop for your fabric there. I perceive you favor orange; my sister has an entire section devoted to every shade of orange conceivable. I think the color noxious, though I suppose my taste must be at fault.”
Miss Bingley smirked at the effusion, and upon discerning Mr. Darcy close at hand, she excused herself and moved toward him. Elizabeth’s heart sank when she perceived her mother in eager pursuit, still discoursing volubly upon Mr. Gardiner’s warehouse.
The next moment, she heard with anguish her mother importuning Darcy himself.
“Mr. Darcy, I hope you mean to dance with Lizzy at the ball. But if you would rather not, Kitty and Lydia will be there. Many say that Lydia is as beautiful as Jane. If you prefer a younger lady, either of my youngest girls would do for you. “My little Lydia is not yet sixteen, but Kitty, at seventeen, is a big girl and would surely answer, if you believe my beautiful Lydia too young for your taste.”
Mr. Darcy flushed to his hairline, bowed stiffly to the matron, and walked away without offering any reply. Miss Bingley was scarcely able to contain her amusement, raising her hand in a feigned cough to conceal a smirk. She was careful to catch Elizabeth’s eye, who stood near enough to hear every word, then arched a brow with malicious triumph. Leaning close, she whispered the scene to Mrs. Hurst, though her sister had already witnessed it all. Caroline, however, spoke loudly enough for others to overhear, ensuring that Elizabeth’s mortification was complete.
“Louisa, I have just witnessed the most vulgar display in the courtyard of the church,” she declared.
“Indeed, Caroline. I heard it all myself.”
Caroline ignored her sister and went on. “Mrs. Bennet has been attempting to hawk one of her daughters to Mr. Darcy.”
The tale flew quickly; Mrs. Long gasped and carried it to Mrs. Phillips, who, affronted, hastened to her brother-in-law. Mr. Bennet, upon hearing it, grew stern.
“Mary, collect your sisters. We are leaving as soon as I collect your mother before she brings us all to ruin.”
Within ten minutes, the six Bennet women were in the carriage on their way back to Longbourn. Jane was the first to descend,fleeing upstairs with a handkerchief pressed to her eyes; Elizabeth followed to offer what consolation might be had. Mary sat in a corner of the drawing room with her face hidden in her hands, while Lydia, who had heard nothing of her mother’s indiscretion, chattered blithely with Kitty.
“Mrs. Bennet,” said her husband, “I will speak to you in my study.”
“But, my dear, luncheon is served.”
“It can wait until our conversation is finished.”
Bewildered, Mrs. Bennet obeyed.
Mr. Bennet looked directly at his wife and said, “Mrs. Phillips has apprised me of an incident that occurred in the churchyard. Is it true that you offered our youngest daughters as matrimonial prospects to Mr. Darcy, even going so far as to suggest Kitty as an alternative when it appeared Lydia was too young for his tastes?”
“Why yes, I did, Mr. Bennet.” She was astonished by his gravity. “What of it? All five of my girls need husbands. Mr. Darcy may choose whomever he prefers. Lydia is perfectly able to bear him an heir. I did not tell him so, but I shall if he asks.”
Mr. Bennet shook his head in dismay. “After twenty-three years, I should not be surprised, yet I am. Can you not see the indelicacy of such a proposal? What must Darcy think of us? Elizabeth, whom he seemed to regard with favor, is likely undone. Henceforth, you will remain at home. You will not attend the ball, nor any other gathering in Meryton. If you raise your voice in protest, you will spend the week upstairs. At meals, you may sit with the family, but if you speak beyond the necessities of the table, your dinner shall be brought on a tray.When Sunday services are over, you will remain at my side and speak to no one. Now leave me, I must compose myself before I can bear company.”
Stunned, Mrs. Bennet withdrew.
That evening, he summoned Elizabeth into his study.
“Lizzy, did you observe that your mother is more restrained than she usually is?”
“Yes, Papa. I noticed that she was silent during luncheon. It was a blessing after the spectacle in the church courtyard.”
“Today, after the service, your Aunt Phillips told me of your mother’s indiscretion with Mr. Darcy. She will not attend the Netherfield ball, and I have imposed that she remain silent at meals. I fear, Lizzy, that your mother has injured your chances with Mr. Darcy. I know I ought to have acted sooner; she has been out of control for years.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Do not grieve for me, Papa. I had no chances to lose. Mr. Darcy is far above me in every respect. But I feel for Jane. Mr. Bingley is guided by his friend, and with Miss Bingley urging him on, I dread he may be persuaded to withdraw.”
Mr. Bennet sighed heavily. “Then at least I shall keep your mother at home. It may be too little, too late, but if another man of five thousand a year comes into the neighborhood, we shall be ready for him.”
Chapter 7: Lydia Is Chastened
It was the day of the Netherfield ball, and Elizabeth began the day early with a long walk. This morning, the sunrise had been a lovely display of vermilion and gold, and now she was preparing to descend Oakham Mount and return to Longbourn. As she walked along the path, she heard the sound of many hoofbeats and, looking up, saw four gentlemen mounted on fine horses riding toward her. She stopped and waited until they dismounted, and then Mr. Darcy performed the introductions.
“Miss Elizabeth, allow me to present Sir Lawrence Pembroke. He is a friend of ours from university days. He has come from London to attend Mr. Bingley’s ball. Mr. Worthington, another of our acquaintance, also arrived with him, though he remained behind, preferring an early breakfast to an early ride.”
Elizabeth curtsied, and the gentlemen walked down the path with her. Colonel Fitzwilliam amused himself by teasing.
