Still, the situation made Elizabeth worry, for she knew that should Mr. Wickham turn his attention to Lydia, the silly girl would throw away everything for a bit of fun, bringing ruin upon them all. Thus, Elizabeth contrived an occasion to speak to her co-conspirators one evening after Lydia went to bed.
“No, Lizzy,” said Kitty, appearing uncomfortable, “Lydia has made no comments about Mr. Wickham other than those to support him in company.”
“Mr. Wickham is not in Meryton, so there is no occasion for her to do anything inappropriate with him,” added Mary.
Elizabeth considered this, but she remained unconvinced. “You are correct, but he will return before long, unless he has already deserted.”
“Do you suppose he has?” asked Kitty, eyes wide.
“It is impossible to say,” replied Elizabeth. “It is his practice to flee when those he has used see through his engaging manners, but matters in Meryton should have given him no cause for concern. If he means to depart, now, when he is away on business would be the perfect time.”
“When is he due to return?” asked Mary.
“I do not know the timing,” replied Elizabeth. “But I cannot imagine it will be more than a day or two.”
“Then we must maintain our vigilance.”
Kitty nodded her agreement. “Do you suppose Lydia will go directly to Mr. Wickham about what has happened?”
“I would not put it past her,” replied Elizabeth. “Word of Mr. Wickham’s activities is spreading throughout Meryton, so it will do her little good. Mayhap our father will decide it is best to control her.”
“If only we could be so fortunate,” muttered Mary.
Eyes wide, Kitty stared at them. “What do you mean?”
For a moment, Elizabeth thought it might be best to put Kitty off with some platitude, but her question was a perfect opportunity to acquaint her with the reality of the situation. A glance at Mary suggested that if Elizabeth did not, Mary would step into the breach.
“Kitty,” said Elizabeth, aiming for tact, “Lydia’s behavior is not the best.”
“She is little more than wild,” was Mary’s more blunt assessment. “She treads the edge of ruining herself, which will affect us all.”
“What do you mean?” asked Kitty, appearing more than a little faint.
“Compare Jane’s behavior with Lydia’s, Kitty,” said Elizabeth, deciding an example would be more instructive.
“But Lydia is livelier; Jane is quite reticent.”
“Yes, you are correct,” replied Elizabeth. “But restraint is a quality that is prized by anyone who strives for good behavior. Lydia is unrestrained, loud, too free with her praise, and openly flirtatious. What do you suppose others think when they see Lydia’s manners?”
Kitty chewed her lip, wringing her hands in her fretful agitation.
“They see her as a lightskirt,” said Mary. “A bit of muslin to be used and cast aside when they are done.”
“Lydia would never go so far as this!” exclaimed Kitty.
“Keep your voice down, Kitty,” instructed Elizabeth. “Do not wake the rest of the house.”
Appearing chastised, Kitty bowed her head. “Do you suppose Denny or Wickham sees her as a girl they can...”
“Take advantage of?” asked Elizabeth. She sighed and gave Kitty a wan smile. “Denny is a good sort, one who would not behave in such a manner. Wickham is another matter altogether, and there may be more men in the regiment who are like him.
“Furthermore, you should remember that any loss of virtue in a woman reflects upon her family, especially any other sisters.”
“Tainted by association,” said Mary. “If Lydia should lose her reputation, we will all suffer. There will be little chance of any of us making advantageous marriages.”
“We should tell Mama!” blurted Kitty.
Elizabeth and Mary exchanged a glance, the latter shrugging while the former turned back to Kitty.
