“By chance, I overheard them speaking. She sent for him with a note, and he came to meet her. They have been meeting secretly for several weeks. He seized her by the arm and threatened to force himself upon her. He left her bruised.”
She stood. “I extracted a promise from Lydia, but I have little confidence she will keep away from him for very long. Papa, we will all be ruined if you do not restrain her.”
She fell silent and watched her father.
At last, he spoke. “You say she promised not to meet him again?”
“Yes, for now. But she is willful. My sister is frightened today, but there is little to occupy her here, and idleness leads her into mischief.”
Elizabeth considered how she might provoke him into action. “Would you speak with Colonel Forster and warn him that Lieutenant Wickham is pursuing your child?”
“No. I do not wish it known that Lydia has been meeting clandestinely with a grown man. That knowledge alone could damage us all.”
She pressed. “Then perhaps she might be sent to Uncle Gardiner’s. She could assist Aunt Maddie with little Edward.”
“We both know your mother would oppose it. Lydia is her favorite, next to Jane.” He snorted. “And she is jealous of Maddie, with her lovely house in London. She would fight the visit.”
“Papa, if we do nothing, our family will be ruined. If Lydia were sent to London for a few weeks, even Mamma could scarcely demur. Lydia would delight in it.”
Bennet frowned. “No. I will not stir your mother’s ire. We shall simply keep a closer watch upon Lydia here at home.”
Elizabeth tried once more. “Then perhaps a governess. Both my younger sisters would benefit from proper instruction. A firm woman would keep them in order.”
“I have already suggested we hire a governess, but your mother considers it an unnecessary expense. She prefers to spend her coin on gowns and fripperies.”
Elizabeth felt the familiar weight of disappointment settle upon her. He would not act.
“Very well,” she said, rising. “I shall speak with Jane. Perhaps between us, we can keep Lydia in line.”
“My dear, you are well aware that your sister runs straight to her mother when rules are imposed.”
“Yes, Papa, I know.”
“Do what you can,” he replied, returning to his book. “Now run along.”
Elizabeth stepped into the dim hall and angrily brushed away tears. She blew her nose and then turned toward the music room. Would Mary be of any help? She was moral, certainly, butoften lacked discretion. Her lectures tended to provoke rather than persuade.
Elizabeth tapped lightly on the doorframe. Mary stopped playing and turned.
“Yes, Lizzy?”
“Might I have a word with you?”
“Of course.” Mary moved to a small couch nestled in an alcove. Elizabeth shut the door and joined her.
“I need your help with Lydia.”
“Something has upset you, Lizzy. What has she done this time?”
“I found her behind the hermitage with an officer of the militia.”
“How could she dare?”
“She has no sense. The man looks to be at least eight and twenty, perhaps even thirty years old.” Elizabeth detailed the clandestine meeting she had witnessed. “I intervened before anything worse occurred. I am only surprised that she refused him.”
Mary snorted. “She meant to wield her power over him. She is silly and dangerous.”
“Liddie is only a child. What she lacks is guidance and parental restraint.”
