Georgiana added, “Kitty wishes to learn more of housekeeping and the management of tenants, as she hopes to marry soon.”
Elizabeth turned to her sister with a knowing look. “Is that so, Kitty? Have you someone particular in mind?”
Kitty blushed. “No one in particular, but I shall soon be eighteen, and I think it proper to prepare myself. Lizzy, might I lead the visits? If I falter, you may guide me.”
“A very sensible plan, my dear. I intend to make two calls this afternoon, and you are both welcome to join me.”
She turned then to Georgiana. “I believe you both should also attend me each morning when I meet with Mrs. Reynolds. You may take turns planning the menus and reviewing the household accounts.”
After a brief pause, she continued, “And we shall spend an hour each day in the stillroom. It is well that you both learn how to prepare simple remedies for your households.”
Kitty looked uncertain. “Remedies?”
“Yes, indeed. Tincture of willow bark, extract of echinacea, milk thistle, and peppermint. With a little knowledge, you may provide for the basic needs of your household, should you not always have a servant to manage such matters.”
“Do you not remember that Jane and I were responsible for the stillroom at Longbourn? Here at Pemberley, I have a servant who attends to the needs of both the household and the tenants.”
Kitty hesitated, then said, “Lizzy, I should like to return to Meryton as soon as possible. Now that Mr. Alexander has come back… perhaps I might attach him.”
“Perhaps you might,” Elizabeth replied gently, “but are you prepared to meet him now? I fear you would not readily engage his attention.”
She laid a hand upon her sister’s arm. “You must forgive me, Kitty, but you have little command of conversation. How do you expect to attach him?”
Kitty stared at her. “What do you mean, Lizzy?”
“Have you anything to say to him?”
Elizabeth turned to Georgiana. “You shall be Mr. Lucas. Kitty, imagine you have just been introduced at Lucas Lodge during one of Lady Lucas’s card parties. ‘Mister Alexander Lucas, this is Miss Kitty Bennet.’ Now, Kitty, let me see your best curtsy, and tell me what you would say.”
Georgiana entered into the spirit at once and bowed. “Miss Bennet, I am very pleased to make your acquaintance.”
Both young women looked to Kitty.
She flushed deeply and said nothing.
At last, she turned to Elizabeth and, distressed, said, “Lizzy, I shall never marry. I have nothing to say.” She turned to Georgiana and explained, “My sister always carried the conversation when we lived at home.”
Elizabeth regarded her with kindness, though she did not soften the truth. “Then there is no reason to hurry back to Meryton only to stand in a corner, simpering and hoping to be noticed. You no longer have Lydia to begin and carry the conversation for you.”
She continued more gently, “You would do far better to remain here at Pemberley. Learn what you may of managing a household, and allow Papa to assist in enlarging yourunderstanding. You must have something worth saying if you are to engage a gentleman who has studied and traveled.”
Kitty drew out her handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes. “I am destined for spinsterhood. I cannot converse with Papa. I scarcely understand a word he says.”
Elizabeth rose. “Come, my dears, let us change for our tenant visits. And when we return, I shall sit with you, Kitty, while Papa instructs you.”
She turned to Georgiana. “And you also will benefit from such instruction. A lady ought to know something of the world. We shall begin with the Peninsular War, and how the duties upon tea serve to fund the conflict with France.”
Kitty began to weep again. Georgiana placed a gentle hand upon her shoulder.
“What is it, Kitty?”
“The tea tax,” she cried. “If I must learn of the tea tax and the Peninsular War, I shall never marry, for I am quite stupid.”
“Not at all, my dear,” Elizabeth said kindly. “You have simply never applied your mind to such subjects. Papa has already agreed to instruct you.”
“And I shall help you as well,” Georgiana added warmly. “Only imagine, Kitty, how you will look when your hair is dressed, and you appear in the prettiest gown at the Meryton assembly. You shall be the belle of the room.”
Gibbs had just finished arranging Elizabeth’s hair when a soft knock sounded at the door, and Mr. Darcy entered. The maid withdrew at once, and Elizabeth rose to meet him. He came forward and kissed her.
