Page 87 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

“Did I say that? I cannot recall.”

“You might as well have.”

Elizabeth closed her book. “Lydia, let her keep one thought to herself.”

“She never keeps thoughts, she borrows mine.”

“Then you should be pleased she has found one of her own.”

Kitty looked grateful for less than a second. “I do not need you to defend me.”

Elizabeth let the answer pass. Kitty’s temper had less to do with her than with Lydia’s laughter and Wickham’s attention. After years of following Lydia, she might guard the smallest preference once it became hers.

The next morning Kitty refused to walk to Meryton. Mrs. Bennet complained that the shops would have nothing left by the time Kitty recovered from her strange mood. Lydia declared that Kitty feared meeting Wickham because she had said something foolish, and Kitty denied it with such force that even Mrs. Bennet paused.

Elizabeth waited until Lydia left the room. “You do not have to tell me anything, but Lydia will continue until she finds another amusement.”

“She thinks everything belongs to her.”

“Lydia thinks everything exists for her amusement, which is different.”

Kitty folded a ribbon around her fingers. “Mr. Wickham asked whether I would walk with the others tomorrow.”

“That seems harmless.”

“He asked me, not Lydia.”

Elizabeth understood then. The distinction mattered because Kitty had spent most of her life included as Lydia’s sister. A question meant for her alone carried more weight than Wickham intended.

“Did he say who else would be there?”

“Denny and Chamberlayne. Perhaps two others.”

“Then it is a party, not an assignation.”

Kitty frowned. “I know that.”

“I thought you did.”

“You sound as though I have done something foolish.”

“I do not think you have done anything.”

“That is worse.” Kitty pulled the ribbon tight. “You think I am too silly for anything to happen.”

Elizabeth had not expected the accusation, but she could not dismiss it. Kitty was foolish at times. So was Lydia, though Lydia’s noise made her folly easier to see. Kitty’s quieter imitation allowed the family to overlook how much she noticed and resented being overlooked in return.

“I think Mr. Wickham is charming,” Elizabeth said. “That is not the same as thinking he is serious.”

Kitty’s expression closed. “You like him.”

“I do.”

“Then why should he not like me?”

“He might.”

Kitty released the ribbon. “You speak as though every answer has another answer behind it.”