Mary
Both girls leaned backinto the couch and said not a word. Lizzy squeezed her sister’s hand before she stood to find her aunt.
* * *
“And to imaginewe are to Pemberley tomorrow,” Kitty said breathlessly, sipping her tea, and reveling in the jealousy of her younger sister. “For two weeks, we shall drink in the wonders of Derbyshire.”
“Not all of us,” Lydia replied glumly, looking at her bandaged hand.
“And Kitty, I understand your enthusiasm for the trip but realize it may not be pleasure bent. The fire at Pemberley could be rather extensive. Mr. and Miss Darcy are quite concerned about their home.”
“Yes, that is true,” she replied, thoughtfully tapping her tea cup. “Although Georgiana said the letter from their steward told them not to worry. She said Mr. Darcy would have left immediately had he not had to meet with his solicitor this morning for the marriage settlement.”
“Take every opportunity to enjoy yourself, Kitty,” Jane said. “You deserve this treat. I have been so proud of you and your behavior.”
“As have I,” said Lizzy.
Lydia snorted. “It seems one Bennet is not as ladylike as the others.”
“That is correct, young lady!” Mrs. Bennet affirmed, walking into the parlor of the Gardiner’s townhouse and standing by the fireplace. “As your father said, you must comport yourself befitting a gentleman’s daughter.”
“Mama, she was defending her virtue from that vile man!”
“Hold your tongue, Miss Lizzy! You know not of what you speak. She should not have put herself in that position. She could have forced his hand!” It had been a week since the Matlock’s ball, and the ladies of Longbourn had descended upon Gracechurch Street only two days previously. “Lydia, if you had only allowed Mr. Wickham a few liberties, you might now be a married woman.”
“Mama! You would encourage our sister to put herself under the power of a disreputable man to secure a husband?” Jane cried out while Lizzy asked, “A husband with no morals who would most likely retreat at the first sign of discord?”
“The loss of a woman’s virtue—”
“Hold your tongue, Mary. And you, missy,” Mrs. Bennet tutted, turning to Lizzy, “are too high in the instep if you ask me. You are lucky Mr. Hamilton has finally asked for a courtship—although, I do not know why. It is strange that he has stayed busy at Ashby Park since his request of your father. Mind you stop expressing your independent ideas! Men do not like women who think. They want someone who is sweet, and…”
“Madam, that is quite enough!” Mr. Bennet snapped. The ladies startled at his unexpected presence and found him with their aunt Gardiner at the door. The vein at their father’s temple throbbed. “Jane, you must allow your mother time to refresh herself and prepare for your outing to the drapers today. It would appear she is fatigued and is not behaving as the ideal example of womanhood. She will meet you and your aunt Gardiner later today after she takes something for her nerves.”
“Mr. Bennet, I am quite healthy, and do not need my salts. My nerves are fine!”
Ignoring his wife’s outburst, he turned to his youngest daughter, save one. “Kitty, I have been pleasantly surprised at the fine, young lady you have become these last months. Such progress. And what a good friend, your Miss Darcy! You seem to have found a true confidant who values you.”
“Thank you, Papa. And I her.”
Turning to his middle child, he continued. “Mary, had we heeded your wise council, we might not have found ourselves in the current situation.”
“Yes, as in Proverbs 22:6. ‘Train up a child—’”
“And you as well, Elizabeth. I should not dismiss my girls’ opinions in the future. Also, we know that Mr. Hamilton is an enterprising, young man which will not always allow him at your beck and call.”
She nodded.
“Do not allow his absence to make you believe him indifferent to your charms.”
“I will not.”
Finally, he addressed his youngest. “It may shock us all, Lydia, but I am prodigiously proud of you, even though it has caused you this injury. It shows much fortitude and spirit—despite your, let us say,silly conductleading up to the…unfortunateencounter.” Lydia snickered but was silenced with a look. “I am humbled to say that all of my three youngest daughters have shown more sense than I have given credit.”
Unused to praise from this parent, she scrambled to his side and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Papa.”
He inhaled deeply. “And now. Mrs. Bennet. Your maid has prepared a tonic for you.” Holding his hand up to her objections. “I will brook no opposition.”
Mrs. Bennet raised her chin as she strode out of the room in a flurry of huffs and complaints.
