“What would you have me do?”
“I am not certain,” Elizabeth admitted. “I am almost despairing, for there is no one upon whom we may depend, no one we can trust to care for our interests. This burden falls upon us.”
“That is not true, Lizzy. There is Uncle Edward and Aunt Maddie, who would take Lydia if only Papa would grow a spine. And Charlotte knows how to keep her tongue in her mouth. She could help us if it comes to the worst. And then there are Mr. and Mrs. Hill, who are devoted to us.”
Elizabeth scowled. “Why should our peevish mother have all the power? There are five of us who stand to lose everything. She must no longer be allowed to govern our fates, or none of us will escape complete ruination.”
Chapter 2: The Question of Lydia
Elizabeth went upstairs to her room and changed into an old gown and stout boots, then went in search of the housekeeper.
“Hill, I am going to Oakham Mount to walk. I shall return in time for dinner.”
“Very well, Miss,” Hill replied. “Be careful. There are many strangers now that the militia is quartered here. You must not place yourself in danger.”
Elizabeth moved to the housekeeper’s side and kissed her upon the cheek. “I shall take Sparky with me.”
“Miss Lizzy, Sparky is too small to be of any use. He is no protection.”
“He is no protector, but he serves as an alarm. If he barks, I shall know to run and hide, and then learn whom Sparky has taken into dislike.”
“In that case, I shall not worry,” Hill said. “There are grown men among that lot who do not mean well by us. You must remember that.”
Elizabeth studied her face. “You have seen or heard something that troubles you. What is it?”
Hill shook her head and would not speak.
Elizabeth lowered her voice. “Hill, I shall tell you something, but you must not repeat it. Lydia has been meeting Lieutenant Wickham, and today he attempted to force a kiss upon her. Mary and I mean to watch her, and we hope Jane will do the same. Is this what troubles you?”
“No, Miss. I did not know that our own girl was being set upon. That Wickham devil forced himself upon the butcher’s daughter. She is but fourteen years old. They pray she will not conceive, but the child is devastated. She will never be the same.”
“Have you told my father?”
“No, Missy. I do not know how to speak of such a thing to a gentleman.”
“I shall tell him at once, and then I will take my walk.”
Elizabeth knocked firmly on the study door.
“Come in.”
Mr. Bennet looked up from his book. “Lizzy, what has occurred now? Have the ladies returned from Harpenden?”
“Hill has just told me that Sadie, the butcher’s daughter, was assaulted by Lieutenant Wickham. I beg you to go to the magistrate and demand his removal, or to speak to the colonel of the regiment.”
Bennet did not meet her eyes when he said, “It is none of our concern. You and your sisters have agreed to watch Lydia. I do not wish to involve myself in matters outside our immediate family.”
Elizabeth stiffened. “Very well, Papa. I shall know how to act.”
She turned and left him, walking straight down to the barn. Before she reached it, Sparky came bounding toward her. She knelt in the grass and played with the dog for a time, reflecting on her father’s complete disregard for the danger they faced. Then she rose and, with the dog at her side, set out on her walk.
Two hours later, Elizabeth returned to the house refreshed in body, though still anxious for her sister. As she entered, her mother’s voice called down the hall.
“Elizabeth, is that you? Come here. I must speak with you.”
Elizabeth went to the small back parlor, where her mother and Jane sat.
“Yes, Mamma?”
