LET NO ONE SAY THATElizabeth did not know her family. While her long association with William had blunted the worst of Mrs. Bennet’s fears and certain excesses brought on by those fears, Elizabeth well remembered the years as a young girl witnessing her mother fret about the entail, what would become of them, and scheming to put her daughters in the paths of wealthy men and assure herself of support should she outlive her husband. While those days were gone, it was the simple truth that Mrs. Bennet did not have a firm grasp of propriety and had not taught her daughters. Kitty and Lydia were not wild so much as too lively for their own good. Mrs. Darcy’s influence had ensured that Mrs. Bennet saw the need to educate them as young gentlewomen, but their habits of study were not the best, and neither girl’s disposition tended to interest in knowledge for its sake alone.
In this, Elizabeth supposed Kitty had made some strides, for her friendship with Georgiana had opened Kitty’s eyes to other possibilities. Kitty was a good girl, was governable and teachable, and if she was not inclined to learn like Elizabeth or Mary, she could be guided to the proper path. Lydia, however, was not so easily led as her sister, her attention to her studies slipshod at best, her manner far livelier even than Kitty’s. To Lydia, there was nothing to life other than balls and parties and flirting with the officers, and if she did not take part in such things so much as she wished, she indulged whenever the opportunity appeared.
This was why it was no surprise to see the reaction to Georgiana’s invitation that Elizabeth had predicted before they left Netherfield. Given Lady Susan’s close inspection of Lydia, Elizabeth could not but suppose her ladyship was watching for it; Georgiana’s aunt meant to do something about it. What that entailed she could not say in advance, but she did not expect what ensued.
“Oh, I should enjoy an invitation to town very much!” exclaimed Kitty when Georgiana offered it.
The girl turned a shy smile on Lady Susan, in whose house she would stay, and offered a credible acknowledgment of her appreciation, though in words that were inaudible to Elizabeth. Lady Susan, appearing charmed by the girl’s earnest thanks, responded with no little warmth.
“It is no trouble, Miss Kitty, for we enjoy having our niece stay with us. I dare say you will bring much energy to our home.”
While she spoke, Elizabeth noted Lady Susan’s close observation of Lydia, though she did it in a way the girl herself would not see. It was no surprise when Lydia, who had long insisted on being the center of attention, spoke to offer her recrimination.
“Why should Kitty receive such an invitation for balls and parties, and I know not what? I have just as much right to such things as she, and more, as she is so dull. The officers all say that I am much more interesting.”
“I advise you to hold your tongue,” said Mr. Bennet, giving his youngest a stern glare. “It is unseemly to speak out of turn in such a way, Lydia, for one does not demand an invitation.”
Lydia had enough grace to feel the chastisement of her father’s reprimand, but it did nothing to improve her demeanor. Mrs. Bennet, who Elizabeth knew had seen something of Lydia’s misstep, attempted to step in and prevent her daughter from further misbehavior and to offer a sop to her feelings.
“Georgiana has invited your sister, Lydia. Perhaps, however, we may also go to London—my brother would not object to hosting us for a time. If Lady Susan is amenable, perhaps we may attend certain of the same events.”
Again, Elizabeth predicted the response in advance, for she knew something of society in London that her mother did not.
“If your brother is willing, a visit to town is an excellent plan, Mrs. Bennet. However, in the matter of attending the season, I must disabuse you of any notion of it. While you and your eldest three daughters may, of course, attend, your youngest daughters are too young. Georgiana is not out yet, and neither she nor Miss Kitty will attend events this season.”
Mrs. Bennet appeared confused, but any response she might make gave way to Lydia’s outburst.
“But I have been out since last summer!” cried Lydia.
“Miss Lydia,” said Lady Susan, her tone and manner suggesting Lydia listen and control herself, “whatever the truth of your status in the country, it is different in London. Girls do not come out until they are eighteen, for they are not ready to move in society until they attain some maturity.”
“I am mature enough to move in any society!” declared Lydia.
“That statement proves that you are not,” was Mr. Bennet’s pointed reply. “If you recall, Lydia, when Kitty came out, we allowed you to attend with your sister, as being left home alone would be hard. As a point of fact, however, no one made any mention of you being ‘out.’”
The mutinous glare Lydia directed at her father did her no good whatsoever, but Mr. Bennet did not back down. All the girl would accomplish was to invite further restrictions, for Mr. Bennet would not allow open insubordination. Mrs. Bennet appeared to understand this and stepped in on her daughter’s behalf.
“Please desist, Lydia. Listen to her ladyship, for she knows much more about London than we do.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Bennet,” said Lady Susan, still eyeing Lydia. “As I suggested, spending some time in London this spring is an excellent notion, but you must maintain propriety. While they are in London, Georgiana and Kitty will partake in certain age-appropriate activities, and Miss Lydia can join them.”
“I wanted balls and parties,” grumbled Lydia. “If I am to be denied them, I would much prefer to stay in Hertfordshire and meet with the officers.”
“You like a man in a red coat, do you?” asked Colonel Fitzwilliam, his tone suggesting hilarity.
Lydia eyed him as if she suspected him of jesting at her expense; Elizabeth’s acquaintance with the colonel suggested her misgiving was not amiss.
“The officers are all gentlemanly, interesting men who lead such dashing lives.”
“Then you might consider that these men of whom you speak aremilitiaofficers. In London, you would find real men of the regulars.”
The notion caught Lydia off guard, for her eyes widened. That Lady Susan did not appreciate his quip, she did not bother to hide. Nor did he regret it, given his grin.
“I shall not speak about the merits of regulars versus militia, or of the advisability of fixing onanyman of the scarlet. Should you have a taste of the activities in which you may participate in London, Miss Lydia, I cannot suppose you would repine your residence there.”
Lydia did not appear convinced, but she refrained from protesting further, knowing it would gain her nothing. Were Elizabeth to guess, she thought her sister had capitulated, knowing her mother would not miss a chance to stay inLondon and accepting what she could get rather than missing out altogether. It would be an interesting time, for not only would Mrs. Gardiner provide a good example and instruction on proper behavior for Lydia, but Elizabeth was certain Lady Susan meant to take a hand as well.
Her interest was not unexpected, for now that the Bennets were connected to the Fitzwilliam family, they would not wish to be embarrassed by the improper behavior of the youngest members of the family. As Kitty was taking Georgiana’s likeness and changing her behavior accordingly, she would not be so much of a problem. To influence Lydia, however, one must employ a different tactic, and unless Elizabeth missed her guess, Lady Susan was up to the task.
