Chapter 2 The Question of Lydia
Elizabeth went upstairs to her room and changed into an old gown and stout boots, then went in search of the housekeeper.
“Hill, I am going to Oakham Mount to walk. I shall return in time for dinner.”
“Very well, Miss,” Hill replied. “Be careful. There are many strangers now that the militia is quartered here. You must not place yourself in danger.”
Elizabeth moved to the housekeeper’s side and kissed her upon the cheek. “I shall take Sparky with me.”
“Miss Lizzy, Sparky is too small to be of any use. He is no protection.”
“He is no protector, but he serves as an alarm. If he barks, I shall know to run and hide, and then learn whom Sparky has taken into dislike.”
“In that case, I shall not worry,” Hill said. “There are grown men among that lot who do not mean well by us. You must remember that.”
Elizabeth studied her face. “You have seen or heard something that troubles you. What is it?”
Hill shook her head and would not speak.
Elizabeth lowered her voice. “Hill, I shall tell you something, but you must not repeat it. Lydia has been meeting Lieutenant Wickham, and today he attempted to force a kiss upon her. Mary and I mean to watch her, and we hope Jane will do the same. Is this what troubles you?”
“No, Miss. I did not know that our own girl was being set upon. That Wickham devil forced himself upon the butcher’s daughter. She is but fourteen years old. They pray she will not conceive, but the child is devastated. She will never be the same.”
“Have you told my father?”
“No, Missy. I do not know how to speak of such a thing to a gentleman.”
“I shall tell him at once, and then I will take my walk.”
Elizabeth knocked firmly on the study door.
“Come in.”
Mr. Bennet looked up from his book. “Lizzy, what has occurred now? Have the ladies returned from Harpenden?”
“Hill has just told me that Sadie, the butcher’s daughter, was assaulted by Lieutenant Wickham. I beg you to go to the magistrate and demand his removal, or to speak to the colonel of the regiment.”
Bennet did not meet her eyes when he said, “It is none of our concern. You and your sisters have agreed to watch Lydia. I do not wish to involve myself in matters outside our immediate family.”
Elizabeth stiffened. “Very well, Papa. I shall know how to act.”
She turned and left him, walking straight down to the barn.
Before she reached it, Sparky came bounding toward her.
She knelt in the grass and played with the dog for a time, reflecting on her father’s complete disregard for the danger they faced.
Then she rose and, with the dog at her side, set out on her walk.
Two hours later, Elizabeth returned to the house refreshed in body, though still anxious for her sister. As she entered, her mother’s voice called down the hall.
“Elizabeth, is that you? Come here. I must speak with you.”
Elizabeth went to the small back parlor, where her mother and Jane sat.
“Yes, Mamma?”
Mrs. Bennet extended a letter. “Your father’s cousin, Mr. William Collins, has requested permission to visit.
He has received early preferment and is now in want of a wife.
His patroness has directed him to seek one from among his cousins.
He will arrive on Monday next, at four o’clock.
If Mr. Goulding may have Jane and Mr. Collins may have you, I shall be satisfied. ”
Mr. Goulding? He was sixty if he was a day. And the way he stared caused one’s stomach to turn. Elizabeth turned to Jane, who looked green.
“Has Mr. Goulding requested permission to call upon Jane?” Elizabeth asked.
Mrs. Bennet huffed. “Of course not. A man of his age? But once I send word offering her hand, he will understand himself welcome.” She patted Jane’s arm. “Today we ordered three new gowns, and when he sees how lovely she is, he will not be able to refuse my offer.”
Elizabeth turned again to Jane, who appeared ready to faint.
“Mamma,” Elizabeth said, “Aunt Phillips mentioned that influenza has fallen upon some in Harpenden. Jane looks quite unwell. Perhaps she has taken the illness while out shopping.”
Jane lowered her eyes and seemed to wilt against the chair in which she sat.
Mrs. Bennet gasped. “Jane, you do look ill. Come, I will help you upstairs. You must take to your bed and be kept away from your sisters. Mr. Collins will not be able to visit if there is illness in the house.”
She took Jane by the arm. “Elizabeth, you remain here. If it becomes necessary, I shall send Jane to my sister Phillips. Mr. Collins must not be delayed, or he may find himself another wife elsewhere.”
Elizabeth wondered how long Jane might postpone a courtship with such a man. There was something deeply amiss with Mr. Goulding. He had already buried two wives, both years younger than himself.