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“Get a copy of the entail from Uncle Philips.”

She looked at her sister.

“Why?”

“From what I have been told there are specific clauses in entails to ensure that the estate is not starved of funds. All the properties have to be kept in good repair, things like that. Having a copy will allow you to create a checklist for each quarter or year. An example would be replacing the thatch on some of the tenant cottages.”

Catherine looked at Elizabeth with close to awe.

“We have been badgering our father about that for years.”

“I know but he can ignore his daughters. There is a certain irony that he can ignore us, but he cannot ignore the entail.”

“Lizzie!”

Unrepentant smirking.

“What else. The dower house, or at least dower cottage. Mr. Collins can write to Papa and I will write to Mama. I would never threaten her with the hedgerows but I will prod her gently and I am sure she will be equally gentle in her prodding of Papa.”

More laughter. The rest of the list was small items, more details than anything fundamental. The first two items were the key ones. Their happy mood turned serious.

“I am sad that you will not be at my wedding Lizzie. It will not be the same without you.”

Elizabeth took her hands and smiled sadly.

“There is nothing that can be done and no point in making everything even more tense that it will be anyway. Tomorrow, when Mrs. Bennet finds out I am Charlotte’s bridesmaid it will be worse than the day after Jane’s wedding. And this time there is nothing that she can do. Keep your head down, and as you walk up the aisle on Papa’s arm know that I will be thinking of you.”

Elizabeth broke the sombre mood.

“Just think. One day as the Mistress you can invite me back to visit.”

Catherine did not cry but the hug was long. Elizabeth had not realised how much she had missed her two sisters until she embraced them.