Page 159 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Alone? What do you mean, Lizzy? They are with each other. Who else do they need? The shop is quite close. Surely they cannot lose themselves. You have walked far longer distances by yourself. Do not be so tiresome, really! Come, let us have some tea.”

Elizabeth ceased further debate with her mother as she knew she would meet with little success. Instead, she accepted the cup of tea, discussed the latest news from Meryton, then went to speak to her father. The situation was already worrisome, and it needed to be addressed in earnest.

“Lizzy dear, how nice to see you. What are you doing here? Are you missing your old father already?” Mr Bennet teased, abandoning his book.

The windows were wide open, displaying the lovely sea view, and the breeze cooled the room, allowing Mr Bennet to appreciate Brighton without forsaking his preferred activity.

“I am, Papa. All the time.” She embraced him tenderly, then sat.

“What is it, child? You look troubled.”

“I am troubled. Papa, do you know that Lydia and Kitty are walking out alone in Brighton? In a city full of militia?”

“What do you mean walking out alone, my dear? I was informed they went to purchase a hat. The shop is at the end of the main street.”

“But still…they should have at least a maid with them. It is neither proper nor safe to go alone.”

“Lizzy, let us be honest. If Lydia and Kitty set their mind to something, what could a mere maid do? Besides, Lydia is seventeen now and Kitty is eighteen. They should have enough wisdom to have a care for their well-being.”

“Papa, I want to trust my sisters, but we must consider that with Jane’s marriage and my engagement they could both become a target for opportunists and rogues. They are not so poor anymore as to not be a temptation.”

“True. Still, they have little dowry to tempt unworthy men. They have only two sisters most advantageously married. Or almost…”

Elizabeth hesitated for a moment.

“Papa, yesterday I found Lydia and Kitty speaking to Mr Wickham and two officers. And they told me they had met Mr Wickham before. I doubt it was a coincidence.”

Mr Bennet rolled his eyes. “I know. They were with your uncle and aunt when they first met. Do you suspect him of some sinister scheme?”

“I do not know, Papa. But I spoke to Mr Darcy last night, and he promised me he would speak to Mr Wickham too.”

Mr Bennet looked at her intently. “You spoke to Darcy about this? Not to your brother-in-law, Bingley?”

Elizabeth felt her cheeks burning. “Mr Darcy was the one who opened my eyes to Mr Wickham’s true nature—as I told you last year. He knows very well Mr Wickham’s bad habits and his dishonourable tendency to pursue an easy living.”

“Many young men share the same habits. You know I have never been fond of Wickham, not even when you were. I always thought him to be a trifling rascal. But that is not enough reason to keep your sisters locked in the house just to avoid meeting him.”

“That is not what I am suggesting. Just be careful. They are easily impressed by officers, and they still only think of balls, parties, and flirting. I fear Lydia and Kitty might be in danger from Mr Wickham and others. And Mr Darcy shares my opinion.”

“I see. I do appreciate Mr Darcy’s character and I value his opinions as much as yours so I shall not ignore your concern. I shall speak to your sisters and supervise them more closely.”

“Thank you, Papa. That is all I ask for.”

“But Lizzy, I must ask, is Wickham such a bad fellow? Is he any worse than other young men who seek to marry for position and fortune?”

Elizabeth knew her father’s expression and enquiring glance well enough. He was not asking but reproaching her.

“What do you mean to imply, Papa?”

“Surely you understand already, so I shall not debate the subject further.”

“Papa, if you are referring to Philip, you are being truly unfair,” Elizabeth said, trying to temper her emotions.

“I am, but his reasons are of a peculiar nature. And I have seen enough to be certain that he does love you and that your affection for him is genuine. I know there are countless marriages based on far less. What I cannot understand is Darcy’s decision to marry his cousin, since there seems to be no inclination from either of them. Nor can I imagine they need anything that will be gained from such a union.”

As Elizabeth’s ire grew, she needed a moment to search for the right words before she replied.

“Papa, you are being unfair. Both Mr Darcy and Anne are excellent people. Such a decision must have had strong and most certainly honourable reasons. And their match would not harm others. That cannot compare in any way with Mr Wickham or other men’s attempts to deceive innocent young women.”