Chapter 18
Mr. Bennet was perplexed by his daughter’s latest letter.
It was the second letter Elizabeth had written from Hampshire.
The first had conveyed her safe arrival and the surprising coincidence of Mr. Darcy being the heir.
She had written of the entail and the provisions made for the widow and young Margaret, and Mr. Bennet’s immediate fears had been assuaged.
He had for a moment regretted that Longbourn did not have any such clause for his wife and daughters.
This latest letter had made him acutely aware of all his follies.
It embarrassed him to realise that Mr. Darcy was doing more for an estate where he would never reside than he had done for his daughters.
Elizabeth’s esteem for the gentleman was apparent, which in itself was unexpected.
She was not one to easily change her opinions and her disdain for Mr. Darcy had been deep-rooted.
The man must have been a veritable saint in Hampshire to gain his daughter’s regard, for Lizzy had declared him the reason for Jane’s lost hopes, and while she would forgive any offence against her, Jane’s sorrow was another matter.
The plaster in his foot had made Mr. Bennet feel helpless, and he was forced to introspect.
He had, many a time, declared his youngest daughters to be the silliest girls in the county, but had never made any effort to correct them.
Elizabeth had misjudged Darcy’s character from the very beginning and he had been more than aware of it.
His age and experience, coupled with a complete disinterest in handsome gentlemen, had given him a clearer judgement of the new arrivals in Hertfordshire.
He had never corrected his daughter’s hasty perception, only amusing himself at her expense.
Her infatuation with Wickham had also served as entertainment.
Her letter now hinted at some misconduct on Mr. Wickham’s part, and her deep sense of shame for misjudging Mr. Darcy.
He could have cautioned her and guided her, but he had chosen not to and Elizabeth’s present discomfort increased his disquiet.
“Mr. Bennet, Colonel Forster seeks an audience with you,” the housekeeper interrupted his uncomfortable musings.
Surprised by this unexpected caller, Mr. Bennet instructed the housekeeper to show him in.
He had taken to lounging on a chaise in the library throughout the day with his legs outstretched and would only be carried upstairs to sleep.
Thus it was there his visitor was escorted to.
The gentleman had called at his wife’s request. The militia was to move to Brighton and his wife had requested that Miss Lydia accompany them as her particular friend. He assured Mr. Bennet that she would be properly chaperoned by Mrs. Forster.
“Pardon me, Colonel, but Mrs. Forster is herself quite young and would be out of her wits with Lydia’s headstrong ways.”
“Sir, my wife is finding it difficult to adjust to married life and Miss Lydia’s presence seems to bring her joy.
I would be remiss if I did not do all in my power to arrange for them to be together.
If it will ease your mind, I shall invite Mrs. Bennet herself to travel with Miss Lydia.
Indeed, Mrs. Bennet’s company may be of use to my wife as she adjusts in her role as a married woman. ”
“I see you are determined, Colonel, I will give the matter some thought and send you a note.”
Colonel Forster took his leave as Mr. Bennet tried to consider the implications of such a visit.
Mrs. Bennet may flaunt decorum and propriety in a drawing room, but she was well aware of actual ruinous behaviour.
She would never allow any of her daughters to act with such abandon if only to make sure that their chances of making good matches remained intact.
The holiday by the seaside may even ease his wife’s nerves and make her much more amiable to his sister’s presence; for he did intend to have Sarah at Longbourn as frequently as possible.
She may not lack means, but that was hardly any reason for her to manage her responsibilities alone.
It was after dinner that he summoned Mrs. Bennet to his chambers and told her of Colonel Forster’s invitation, “Need I remind you, madam, that though I am permitting this travel, that does not mean that you and your daughter are to spend your days only in frivolity. Indeed, I expect you to check Lydia’s flirtatious behaviour, and demand that she behave like a proper young lady. ”
Mrs. Bennet complained about this unjust portrayal of her lively daughter but immediately quietened when her husband threatened to revoke his permission.
The very next day, Mr. Bennet again had cause to question his judgement.
Lydia, on hearing the news, was loud in her joy and excitement and carelessly spoke of assignations with militia officers on the beach.
Her mother, instead of reprimanding her, just laughed and encouraged her delight.
Thus Mr. Bennet was forced to have another conversation with his wife, and this one much harsher than any he had ever had.
He finally put in her the fear of God—and every comfort she held dear—if her daughter were to step out of line.
“If Lydia succeeds in ruining herself, you may very well consider a home for yourself in the hedgerows at the earliest, for Longbourn’s door would be closed for you, Madam.”
Mr. Bennet knew he was being harsh, but he saw no other way to persuade his wife to mend her and Lydia’s conduct. Mrs. Bennet nodded mutely, too scared to speak. Her husband had never taken such a harsh tone with her.
Kitty had been sorely disappointed by not being invited by Mrs. Forster.
She had considered the lady a friend and felt betrayed.
Seeing an opportunity, Mr. Bennet resolved to guide her towards becoming a lady of discernment and independent thought.
If she stopped following Lydia, she would not behave so recklessly.
With this in mind he summoned her to his study, declaring that he was weary of his confinement and depended on her to entertain him.
From that day, she sat with him daily for a couple of hours.
They had tea, spoke a little, and then he would ask her to read to him.
These reading materials were selected with care and Mr. Bennet made it a point to interrupt her multiple times to discuss the passage she had read.
Slowly and surely Kitty started to genuinely enjoy the time spent in her father’s company and all that she was learning from him.
She had always admired Elizabeth’s capability to hold her own in any conversation and realised that she herself might achieve that if only she applied.
The improvement in Kitty was such that, a month later, when Mrs. Bennet and Lydia boarded their carriage for Brighton, Kitty stood with such composure to bid them a good journey that it made her father proud.
She even went so far as to hand one of her new bonnets to Lydia for her use on the seaside.