By now, the wide, toothy grins of the two men almost appeared evil. The colonel offered a decisive nod.
“I agree, Mr. Bennet. While I would do almost anything to bring Harriet pleasure, I will own that I was not anticipating the summer with Miss Lydia in my home. Harriet is a good woman, but their giggling when they get together is enough to drive a man to strong drink.”
Mr. Bennet guffawed and extended his hand. “Then we agree. You will not need to endure a giggling young lady, and I will only need to endure Lydia’s cries about the lack of an invitation. That is by far the better prospect.”
With that, the Bennets left the colonel’s office and made their way back out onto the street. The bustle they had earlier observed had not lessened, though there were fewer clusters of townsfolk in their immediate view. After conferring for a few moments, they made their way to their relations’ house, finding Mr. and Mrs. Philips within.
“I was waiting for you to appear, Brother.” He smiled at the sisters and added: “It is no surprise Lizzy insisted on being a part of the day’s events.”
“My actions put them in motion,” replied Elizabeth. “Of course, I wished to be present to learn what I have wrought.”
Mr. Philips chuckled. “Yes, Lizzy, you have wrought something, indeed. I still wish you had come to me last night—and the colonel expressed the same sentiments—but I understand your independent nature.”
“We have just come from the colonel’s office,” said Mr. Bennet. “He expressed himself with eloquence.”
“That does not surprise me.”
“It is all so shocking!” exclaimed Mrs. Philips. “Who could have predicted that such a handsome, charming man is a very fiend sent to ruin us all?”
“It seems this Mr. Wickham is adept at charming all and sundry,” replied Mr. Bennet. “But you have not heard everything.”
Mr. Bennet turned to Mrs. Philips, a stern expression that did not escape her notice. “What I am about to tell you must remain in the strictest confidence, for it could damage my family if anyone learned of it.”
“Letitia will remain silent,” said Mr. Philips, eyeing his wife.
“Of course, I will!” exclaimed Mrs. Philips, affronted. “I would never spread any tales that would harm my dear nieces!”
Mr. Bennet nodded, though Elizabeth could easily see his skepticism. Mrs. Philips was a more determined gossip than even Mrs. Bennet, and often spread her stories with no conception of the consequences. Speaking of the costs before relating the matter to her would prevent any further dissemination.
“In the dead of the night, Lydia attempted to leave the house to warn Wickham of the danger.”
Mrs. Philips gasped, but Mr. Philips only shook his head. “Lydia is a silly girl. Perhaps you might think twice about the wisdom of allowing her to attend society, Bennet. The girl does not possess the maturity for it.”
“I have considered it,” said Mr. Bennet. “For the nonce, our discussion has been about the necessity of reforming her character.”
“Papa has considered the possibility of hiring a companion,” said Jane.
Mr. Philips considered this and nodded. “You may have a better chance of success with a stern woman hired for the purpose.”
“That is exactly what I thought,” replied Mr. Bennet.
“Then Lydia did not have a tryst with him?”
Mr. Bennet shook his head. “No, I do not think so. But she did not consider the consequences of her rash decision to walk to Meryton after midnight and meet with a man of suspect morality.”
“Kitty discovered her and prevented her from leaving,” said Elizabeth.
That provoked a start of surprise. “Kitty? I might have suspected her of rushing into danger beside Lydia.”
“Kitty has surprised us all,” said Mr. Bennet. “Lizzy says that Kitty suspected Mr. Wickham of devilry and was watching her sister to ensure she did not do something she should not.”
“Then good for Kitty,” said Mr. Philips. “It will be easier to reform Lydia if she does not have Kitty supporting her.”
“I had considered that myself,” confessed Mr. Bennet.
“Have they located Mr. Wickham yet? It was my understanding that he had disappeared.”
“Not yet,” replied Mr. Bennet, “though I suspect it will not be long. No horses are missing, so he is on foot. He cannot go far.”
