After tea, the Warwicks traveled on to Netherfield.
Elizabeth entered her father’s study and sat down. “Papa, what have you done with Mamma?”
Mr. Bennet smiled. “Your mother is in school, my dear. Miss Farrow spends three hours every morning, except Sundays, teaching her subjects that gentlewomen learn as children. They also make morning calls together. Before and after each visit, they discuss genteel comportment. Lizzy, your mother lacked education. I thought your mother’s failings were due to heredity, but in her case, it was simply a lack of education. I am the first to tell you, Elizabeth, that your mother’s improvement has astonished me.”
Elizabeth laughed softly. “And Lydia? Is she also improving herself?”
Mr. Bennet sobered. “You have heard that I sent Lydia away to school, and she is not to return until she turns nineteen. She was stealing out to meet Captain Carter. Perhaps you know of him? He is a married man, Elizabeth. Fortunately, Kitty found a notehe had written to Lydia. It was to be their third secret meeting, and he told her he meant to take her virtue on her sixteenth birthday. I was never so shocked in my life as when Lydia told me that. The child was uncontrollable.”
Elizabeth pressed her lips together. “Then it is well she was removed. I am relieved that Kitty will soon be married and out of danger from any further indiscretions of Lydia’s.”
Mr. Bennet’s eyes softened. “Indeed. That is Mary’s influence, no doubt.”
Elizabeth shook her head with a smile. “No, Papa. Kitty was making a parish visit when she encountered Mr. Warwick, who was out riding. He admired her looks and her cheerful manner. Since he was seeking a wife, he chose her. His mother’s illness pressed him to act quickly. He is highly motivated to marry for the sake of his mother, to whom he is very devoted.”
Mr. Bennet nodded. “I like the man. He speaks with sense, and he has prospered. He did well in the West Indies, and now he is ready to settle and raise a family. Kitty could not have done better.”
That evening, the Bennets were received at Netherfield for dinner, and the two families spent the evening getting to know one another. The Warwicks liked the Bennets very much, and the Bennets were in awe of the very eligible match Kitty had made for herself.
Chapter 47: Kitty’s Wedding
The wedding ceremony was simple, and his mother made it sweet. She sat in the front pew directly behind her son and wiped tears from her eyes during the entire ceremony.
After the service, all guests gathered at Longbourn for the wedding breakfast. Mrs. Bennet’s tables were loaded with roast duck, roast beef, crab cakes, and chicken pie. There were also a variety of cakes, puddings, scones, and sandwiches. Mr. Bennet served plenty of wine, champagne, and ratafia. Kitty and Mr. Warwick were surrounded by well-wishing neighbors who had watched the Bennet sisters grow up and were saddened to see another child marry and move away.
Alexander found Elizabeth sitting in one of the smaller, little-used parlors. He sat down on the settee next to her and sighed. “You were in Kent too long, Elizabeth. I missed you.” He ran his fingers through a curl that hung at her nape.
Elizabeth moved her head away. He continued. “I asked your mother how you were doing in Kent, but she refused to answer me.”
Elizabeth frowned. “Alexander, you know it is improper for you to touch my hair. Someone might see and start rumors.”
He looked around the room. “No one is looking at us. They are busy talking to each other.” He touched her hand. “I haven’t heard a word of sense since you left. No one reads anything. No one has an opinion on the tax vote currently before parliament. I have missed you very much, Elizabeth. I miss how we used to talk everything over.”
She moved her hand away. “Alexander, this conversation is inappropriate considering your courtship with Miss King.”
He frowned. “Elizabeth, I never thought of Miss King in earnest. It was all my mother’s idea but I have never considered myself in a courtship.”
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes. “But you visited her home every day. Everyone, including Miss King and her aunt, believes you are courting her. You have gone too far to back out now. Alexander, do not think that I will ever take you back. If you jilt her, it will not be on my account.”
Alexander took her hand in his. “Elizabeth, are you serious? You would not take me back?”
She drew her hand away and frowned at him. “I speak as I mean. You are my friend, Alexander, but nothing more. I once believed we would marry, but when you turned your eyes to Mary, you turned your back on me. The entire village believes you are in a courtship. There is no way we could ever get back together now without it becoming a scandal. I will not do it.”
Elizabeth left him then. When she entered the drawing room, she saw that Kitty was preparing to go upstairs to change into a traveling dress.
Elizabeth found a corner where she could stand and watch without being drawn into conversation. She felt a hand on her elbow, and when she turned to look, it was Alexander. He whispered in her ear. “Please, Elizabeth, take me back.”
Elizabeth pulled away and crossed the room to sit with her father. He looked down at her and whispered. “Is something wrong, my dear? Is Alexander scolding you?”
She said, “Oh, Papa. I wish I could go upstairs and hide.”
Mr. Bennet raised his eyes. He said, “Charlotte, did you get enough to eat?”
Charlotte smiled. “Yes, Mr. Bennet. I ate too much and now I am here to invite Elizabeth out for a short walk. Will you come, Elizabeth? The hermitage walk is charming.”
Elizabeth said. “It is too cold to walk out today, Charlotte.”
“Nonsense. With our cloaks and gloves, we will warm up once we start walking.”
