“No, madam.” Mr. Bennet did not attempt to hide his amusement. “We have never employed a governess or a companion.”
“Never?” She blinked in surprise. “Your wife must have been quite a slave to their education.”
“Not at all.”
Lady Catherine spluttered, looking at first Jane and then Elizabeth. “Five daughters out at once, no governess, and you claim your wife had little to do with educating them? If they are all similar to Mrs. Collins, I shall declare you very fortunate. Who managed their education?”
“My girls were given any masters they wished for, and had access to my library and all the information they needed to become accomplished young ladies. Whether they took advantage of that is their prerogative.”
Lady Catherine shook her head. “Be that as it may, how could you have five out at once?” Charlotte almost laughed. The lady was determined to have an answer.
“It is hard on a younger sister to be deprived, left to witness the older sisters experiencing outings, balls, soirees, and assemblies. By the time Kitty reached seventeen and came out, I saw no reason to withhold the same pleasure from Lydia. They are all quite happy, I assure you. My wife tells me they are the belles of every ball, and they are the favorites of the militia officers stationed in Meryton.”
Charlotte glanced at Elizabeth. Mr. Bennet told only half the story. Lydia had thrown a dreadful tantrum when it was Kitty’s turn to come out in Meryton society. The youngest Bennet had seethed in rage as Mrs. Bennet took her next oldest sister to purchase gowns and ribbons, complaining of her ill use. Mrs. Bennet’s attempt at pacifying her favorite child had not succeeded. Eventually Lydia’s grumbling turned to whining, then to wailing, and finally ending in a tantrum worthy of the angriest three-year-old. Mr. Bennet agreed to allow his fifteen-year-old daughter to come out with Kitty so that peace could be restored.
And so, both Kitty and Lydia had left the nursery at the same time. Kitty’s come out was overshadowed by her louder, showier sister, making her uncomfortable and uncertain of her owncharms. Elizabeth had told Charlotte everything. She and Jane had advised their father not to capitulate to Lydia’s demands, for such indulgence could only continue to spoil her, but Mr. Bennet valued his peace more than anything.
“A favorite of the officers?” Lady Catherine repeated Mr. Bennet’s words, flabbergasted. “The daughters of a gentleman, married to a poor soldier? Have you no concern for their future? Mr. Bennet, I must say, I expected to find you a more reasonable man, given your prudence in seeing your eldest married to your heir, but instead I find a disinterested father at best. What have you to say for yourself, and for your lackadaisical manner in raising your children?”
“Your wisdom is truly unparalleled, madam. I had no idea it was my lack of interference that was the root cause of all their shortcomings.” Mr. Bennet’s smiled pleasantly, not a care in the world, and dipped his head diplomatically.
Lady Catherine’s eyes narrowed, and she turned to Elizabeth. “I believe Mr. Collins proposed toyoufirst, Miss Bennet. His reasons were muddled when he tried to explain how Miss Jane Bennet became Mrs. Collins. You will enlighten me.”
Elizabeth glanced at Jane. Mrs. Collins’s expression was calm, though her eye twitched. Charlotte pitied her; was a home and husband worth this inquisition?
“Mr. Collins and I do not suit.” Elizabeth’s confident reply came quickly. “You have known my sister for nearly four months now. Jane’s temperament is quite the opposite of mine. Mr. Collins married the better sister, I assure you.”
“You claim you do not have the disposition to be a clergyman’s wife?” Lady Catherine’s tone was inquisitive, not censorious.
“I do not suffer fools lightly and have little patience for nonsense. A clergyman’s wife needs patience with everyone, not just those she loves best.”
Lady Catherine looked at Mr. Collins. Charlotte thought she saw understanding in the woman’s eyes. Elizabeth would have gone mad had she taken Jane’s place.
“Do you play, Miss Bennet?” The great lady turned the conversation in another direction.
“I do, ma’am, a little, and very ill indeed.” Elizabeth smiled self-deprecatingly.
“Do you not practice?”
“I confess, not nearly enough.” Charlotte’s friend shifted slightly. “I find there are too many other things that draw my interest.”
“What isyoursituation, Miss Lucas?” Charlotte jumped. She had not expected Lady Catherine to interrogate her, for she was not connected in a familial way to the occupants of the parsonage.
“Well? Have you any prospects? A suitor? What of your family?”
Charlotte wondered briefly if Mr. Collins had told her ladyship something of the Lucases. She answered as if he had not. “My father is Sir William Lucas. His knighthood was bestowed nearly ten years ago. I am the eldest of four children. My two brothers are in school, and my sister is recently out.”
“Prospects,Miss Lucas. I wish to know your prospects!” Lady Catherine tapped her walking stick against the floor impatiently.
Charlotte glanced at Mr. Collins. Her pique at him renewed, and a burst of mischievousness rose within her.
“I recently had the attentions of a gentleman,” she said. Elizabeth shot her a questioning look, but Charlotte plowed on. “He is well situated with a good income. He was to speak to my father about a proposal, but unfortunately for me, his interests turned in another direction.”
Mr. Collins’s face paled then reddened, and Charlotte wondered for a moment if he would swoon. She felt little guiltat discomposing him; she would not have, had he behaved in a more honorable manner.
The look of speculation on Jane’s face caused her to pause. Jane’s gaze was far too knowing, and it caused Charlotte to blush.
“How could he do such a thing?” Lady Catherine was irate. “His honor was engaged, especially if you were expecting his proposals! A true gentleman behaves better.”
