Page 21 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

Her papa nodded again. “A sensible notion. If Cook wishes to consult the tinker, Mr. Munk, I have no objections.”

“Mr. Bennet,” their mama said in a tight voice, “directing the female servants falls under my purview.”

“So, it does,” their papa murmured. “Do you think the idea has merit, my dear?”

“Which idea?” she asked, frowning. “The cookbook? The cup? Or the one about our cook consulting with Mr. Munk?”

“The last one.”

“Humph,” their mother said, slathering pear conserve over her piece of toast. “I think sending for Mr. Munk is more sensible. Cook may meet with him one afternoon when he is available.”

“As you wish,” their papa said as he reached for the platter of coddled eggs.

Lizzy grinned and addressed her food with pleasant anticipation. When the meal ended, their papa stood.

Chapter Four

“Excuse me, my dear. It is time for Kitty and Lydia to join me in my bookroom.”

Lydia groaned.

“First day,” he said, narrowing his eyes in the face of their sullen looks. “It is time. Come along, and remember my warning about annoying me as you study.”

Lydia and Kitty jumped up and moved around their chairs, pushing them into the table. They curtsied slightly to their father before looking at their mother.

“Excuse us, please, mama,” Kitty and Lydia said, their voices subdued.

Their mama nodded, appearing sympathetic. She rarely read anything except the latest novel or collection of poems. Mary had given her a collection of sermons by various clergymen for her birthday, but Lizzy doubted their mama had ever opened it.

“Excellent,” he said, his expression softening. “Consider how much more interesting your conversation will be when you attend the assembly next week. That may help you concentrate.”

“Yes, papa,” they said in unison. Lydia and Kitty filed out after him.

The moment the door closed, Mary said, “‘An investment in knowledge pays the best dividends.’”

“I daresay,” their mama said pithily, rising. Her daughters automatically rose as well.

“Who said that, Mary, dear?” Jane asked, looking across the table at her sister.

“Benjamin Franklin,” she said.

Their mama sniffed. “I suppose you all have something to do this morning?”

Lizzy and her sisters nodded.

“Very well, off with you.” She pointed at Lizzy. “Do not be late again.”

“Yes, Mama,” Lizzy murmured.

Their mother swept from the room, muttering that she had to talk to Mrs. Hill.

“I am going into Meryton to the lending library,” Mary told them.

“Would you care for company?” Jane asked. Mary shrugged and then nodded.

“I must put the debris I gathered into Jeffry’s enclosure,” Lizzy explained. “All my animals have already been fed, so I could join you afterward if you wish?”

“Not unless you change,” Mary said, sighing. “I hate to agree with Mama, but you do look a disgrace at times.”