“Yes, Mrs. Bennet would not have wanted a big fuss.”
Mary caught a brief but amused glance exchanged by the Darcys. She knew what her sister was thinking: a big fuss was exactly what Mrs. Bennet would have chosen. She started to say so, but her father interrupted.
“No. A simple burial would be best.”
“Then, with your permission, sir, following the prayers but prior to lowering the casket, I should like to say a few words about Mrs. Bennet. It is a new thing many rectors are doing these days—sharing a few anecdotes about the deceased. Often it brings a sense of peace to those left behind, as it can be pleasant to end on some happy memories. However, since I am new here, I did not have the pleasure of knowing her. I thought you might all share a few thoughts to help me.”
There was a long pause as the family waited for Mr. Bennet to speak. When he did not, Mary said piously, “She always enjoyed Sunday church service.”
“Mostly to dress up in her best and get the latest gossip,” added Lizzy with a small grin.
Mary was shocked at this comment and grateful when Jane jumped in.
“That may be true, Lizzy, but she did care very much about our estate tenants. Why, I can remember helping her put together Christmas baskets for them from my earliest years.”
Lizzy, Kitty, and Mary nodded in agreement.
“She…” Kitty began. “That is, Mama also greatly enjoyed socializing. She was quite proud of the number of families she and Papa dined with—four and twenty!”
“Even if she had to nearly drag Papa from his study to do so,” said Jane in a loving voice. There were soft chuckles all around.
“And balls and assemblies were the highlight of her year,” added Lizzy. “Even after she gave up dancing herself.”
“She was devoted to her girls,” Mr. Bennet finally said in a husky voice.
“Devoted to finding us all husbands, you mean,” said Kitty. “Mary, you and I must depend upon our older sisters for a match now.” She snorted. “Not that you ever show any signs of interest in the opposite sex.”
Mary blushed furiously and lowered her eyes. So like Kitty to say something thoughtless like that! She opened her mouth to respond, but to her surprise, Mr. Yarby reached over, patted her hand gently, and spoke.
“Two such lovely girls from as fine a family as this will have no problem securing eligible matches. I have no doubt.”
Mary turned her face to Mr. Yarby in gratitude. His kind words lifted her heart. In the corner of her eye, she caught Kitty also staring at the new rector with a queer little smile.
It struck Mary that her sister’s face was just like a cat who had spied a dish of cream.
***
Five days passed in what seemed a heartbeat, and Elizabeth now sat with her father in his study.
“Papa, I hate to leave you so soon,” she said softly. “But Fitzwilliam is determined we shall leave on the morrow. Every day we delay makes the journey that much harder on me, and he fears for our unborn child.”
“Pay it no heed, Lizzy, I am still somewhat amazed and grateful that you made the difficult journey at all.”
“Well, of course I wished to be here—we both did. You could come back with us if you like. It might be good to have a change of scene after such a…difficult time. And we would love to have you.”
“Thank you, but not just yet, my dear. Longbourn would seem every bit as empty coming back after time with you as it does now. Besides, I cannot abandon Kitty and Mary completely. And I have much to do to help Mr. Yarby and his sister settle in.” He gave her a wan smile. “But know that I do not make this decision lightly or without significant regret; you know how much I enjoy your husband’s fine library.”
Lizzy nodded. “I also offered to take Kitty back with us, but to my surprise, she said no. I thought she would jump at the chance to spend time at Pemberley; she always loved to do so in the past. But she told me she would rather stay here at Longbourn for now.”
Mr. Bennet smiled. “Could it be my second youngest is growing a sense of responsibility? One can only hope. She asked me whether Mr. Yarby and his sister could be invited to dine with us tonight. I told her yes, and she fairly ran from my study to go invite them.”
“Well, he does appear to be better company than poor Mr. Dudley ever was. But perhaps it signals a noble reason? Perhaps Kitty is taking an interest in doing some good works for Meryton’s less fortunate.”
Mr. Bennet chuckled. “Even I cannot raise my hopes quite that far, my dear.”
Chapter 6
Mary sat in her room after dinner, fuming—her sister Kitty the source of her ire. Throughout the evening, Kitty had flirted shamelessly with Mr. Yarby. At least, that is how it appeared to Mary. But now she reflected on the possibility that she was overreacting and tried to give her sister the benefit of any doubt.
