Lydia chimed in her agreement to this statement, and while Georgiana favored them with a grateful smile, she did not respond. The family stayed at home for the rest of the day, sharing comfort, and by the time the following morning arrived, Elizabeth thought Georgiana’s assurance had returned. The hour had not even reached noon when Mrs. Bennet and Lady Susan arrived for a visit.
“Lizzy,” greeted her mother as she walked in, though her focus was on the girls.
Mrs. Bennet approached them and sat nearby. “How are you, girls? I hope this business with your companion has not distressed you to excess.”
“Not at all, Mrs. Bennet,” smiled Georgiana, showing her backbone. “She is gone, so I do not suppose I must concern myself about her anymore.”
“That is well, my dear, though the way I understand it, some danger might still exist.”
Turning to Elizabeth, Mrs. Bennet said: “Lizzy, I will be returning to your house—the servants at Lady Susan’s house will deliver my effects this morning. As the girls are now without a companion, I shall take Mrs. Younge’s place.”
Nonplused, Elizabeth regarded her mother, uncertain about her meaning. “You mean to become the girls’ companion. Do you suppose I am incapable of seeing to their needs?”
“Nonsense,” was Mrs. Bennet’s firm reply. “You and your husband have responsibilities in society, while I have had my fill. As their mother, I am best positioned to see to Kitty and Lydia’s needs, and Georgiana requires a confidante. You are an excellent elder sister, Lizzy, but your focus cannot always be on them.
“I also sent an express to Victoria yesterday, and she responded this morning. She will join us here tomorrow to assist.”
“As it happens,” said Lady Susan, her significant look suggesting she had some hand in this decision, “I support your mother in this. After this business with Mrs. Younge, it would be a relief to us all to have your mother look after Georgiana and your sisters.”
“Your thoughtful offer is welcome to us all, Mrs. Bennet,” said her husband.
While Mr. Bennet’s sense of humor was often laden with more than a few shades of sarcasm, in this instance, he watched his wife with what could only be called approval. Mrs. Bennet nodded as if it were nothing more than her due. Then she turned an arched brow on Elizabeth as if in challenge, one Elizabeth had no intention of accepting.
“Of course, you are welcome to stay here, Mama. I am not so enamored with society that I cannot take a hand myself, but your help—and that of Mrs. Darcy—is most welcome.”
“Very well,” said Mrs. Bennet. “Come, girls, I should like to sit with you for a time to learn how you have been occupying yourselves of late.”
Three dutiful ladies followed the matron from the room, leaving bemusement in their wake, for Mr. Bennet caught Elizabeth’s eye and winked, while William looked on LadySusan, a sense of speculation provoking her to grin. Lady Susan nodded in answer to his unspoken question.
“Yes, I had something to do with this situation, William,” said she. “Even without my encouragement, Mrs. Bennet was determined to be of use the moment Jacob brought word of Mrs. Younge’s deception. I guided her to inform Mrs. Darcy of the situation, as I cannot suppose that another pair of eyes will go amiss, and she is better versed in the subjects the girls yet need to learn.
“I apologize for saying as much, Mr. Bennet,” added Lady Susan to the gentleman in question.
“No offense taken.” Mr. Bennet’s jovial response included a wink, not that Elizabeth had expected anything else. “My wife is a good woman and a loving mother, but her education is limited.”
Lady Susan nodded. “The question then becomes what we are to do about a companion.”
“Might I assume his lordship does not mean to publish Mrs. Younge’s incarceration?”
“That would not be prudent. It is better to put her away and avoid any perceived stain on Georgiana’s education.”
Elizabeth nodded, understanding her point. Society could be cruel for the slightest provocation.
“Then it would be best to wait to replace her.”
“Is there a need to replace her?” asked Lady Susan. “As she now lives with you and William, you can be her guide. Perhaps we may engage a woman to provide daily lessons, but I am uncertain whether a companion is necessary.”
“For that, I believe we should wait until matters settle,” said William. “Once we learn the truth of Mrs. Younge’s ploy, we can determine the best way to proceed.”
With that decision, Lady Susan soon excused herself, leaving Elizabeth alone with her father and husband.
“Had I known of the intrigue I would endure when I married a man of the first circles, I might have reconsidered.”
William fixed her with a grin. “I apologize, Elizabeth, but I shall not give you up now that I have you. If intrigue is to be our lot, you must learn to live with it.”
“Do you not suppose it adds a little spice to our lives?” asked Mr. Bennet, an unbelievable expression of innocence accompanying his question. “We need a distraction in the face of our presence in London, as dangerous a nest of vipers as I have ever seen.”
“It is far more dangerous than I expected.” Elizabeth considered the matter. “Do you suppose we need to restrict Georgiana’s movements for the moment?”
