Chapter 26 Explanations #2
"I cannot answer that directly, because we do not know all her plan.
It is primarily conjecture on my part, but I think she is hoping to socially ruin one or more of you girls and, by extension, our entire family.
If any of you are married, the effects of such a plan will be diminished.
Rand's sources at Rosings Park indicated Lady Catherine's plans, what they can find out about them, leaned in this direction.
That gave all the more reason for me to remove Miss Stanton from this household.
An unreliable companion can be dangerous for any young lady coming out in society, even if the companion is simply careless and not actively working against her charge.
I know my girls are all smart and unlikely to deliberately place themselves into questionable situations, but a companion is the gatekeeper who can betray you to the enemy. "
"Do you truly think she would have?" asked Lizzy.
"I did not want to take that chance," her father replied.
"You girls are not playing pieces in a game of chess – you are my daughters and your well-being is of great importance to me.
So, we have removed the person who could most easily facilitate a scheme for your ruin.
She may still have that as her plan, but now she will need to employ an outside agent, and it will require more than just vague rumors voiced second-hand through her nephew. "
"Hmph," Lizzy snorted, "I still cannot believe he was so eager to stop Sir Barnaby from paying attention to Jane."
"You make too much of the incident, Lizzy," her father admonished.
"You must remember that he was not acting as he did in a spirit of malice.
His information was inaccurate and incomplete.
Although he did not take the extra step of confirming it before passing it on, he thought he was being helpful.
He did make amends when the error was brought to his attention.
Many men would not have done so. You may be more sensitive than most to the power of gossip by virtue of having lived all these years with your mother.
He had probably not seen the full effect a few words spoken at the wrong time can have. "
With a rueful smile, Lizzy nodded. "I suspect he understands that now."
"And the lesson will be fully driven home if he ever learns that Miss Elizabeth Rose is a Bennet," Edward chuckled.
"I am amazed he has not found out yet," Bennet said. "According to Viscount Rand, he has been searching diligently. While our connections have agreed to go along with your request and not tell him, I am sincerely amazed that no one else has told him or helped him make the connection."
Lizzy shifted in her chair and looked away from the other two.
Leaning forward, she took up the poker and stirred the fire slightly as they waited to see if she would respond.
Replacing the poker in the stand, she sat back again but still did not look at them as she said, " But that still does not tell us why you chose to break with Lady Catherine now. "
Bennet chuckled again, "True enough. You know that, in addition to protecting you and your sisters, Rand and I have been concerned about what Lady Catherine might do to harm Richard, Miss de Bourgh and even young Mr. Darcy.
Our whole supposed break was meant to keep her believing all was going as she planned so she would not take more drastic or underhanded measures against any of you.
Just as your visit with the Damasks provided an appropriate moment to release Miss Stanton from service, other events make this a good time to begin forcing her hand.
Jane's betrothal would inevitably push Lady Catherine to take some kind of action.
You and Mary will remain safely guarded by family members.
Miss de Bourgh is protected by Rand's agents and by family connections.
Finally, Richard has confirmed he will be retiring from the military soon.
By manipulating Lady Catherine into making an outward break with our family, we push her activities further into the open.
That way, we can keep a closer eye on her while better protecting all of you. "
"How did you prompt her to do it?" Lizzy asked.
"When I released Miss Stanton from service, Lady Catherine wrote a scathing letter to your Mama.
It was no more than we had expected, and I was inclined to ignore it at first. However, when Rand and I discussed how to make the break, we decided to use that letter as a catalyst. I wrote to Lady Catherine, implying that I had just seen her letter.
I expressed outrage at the way in which she communicated with your mother and essentially told her to mind her own business.
It was the letter I have been wanting to send to her for years.
Every word was designed to make her lose her temper. " Bennet laughed.
"I take she behaved as predicted?" Edward asked, grinning.
"She was livid," Bennet replied. "Whatever plans she may have had could not outweigh her anger at what she characterized as my gross ingratitude and blindness to the great advantage she had offered my family through our connection to her.
In her letter she declared all ties to us shattered beyond repair, just as we hoped she would. "
"What happens next, Papa?"
"We continue to be vigilant, Lizzy. Rand had already alerted Sir Barnaby to the situation and when he came here, I confirmed that he would stand by Jane even if Lady Catherine began to circulate more rumors about you girls.
Once the marriage takes place, Jane will be safe.
All three of you will still need to be cautious while you are in London with the Gardiners.
The Damasks, Lord and Lady Sheldon and the Cathcarts will help guard and guide you even as you all enjoy the various social events.
We will counter every move Lady Catherine makes. "
"I think you enjoy this whole situation, Papa. It distracts you from the daily challenges you face." Lizzy said, smiling indulgently at her father.
"You know me very well, my dear. However, as I said, your safety and that of your sisters is more important than any game. I will not take unnecessary chances."
"And I will do my best to keep you girls safe while you are in London," Edward added. "Madeline and I want you to have fun, to make new acquaintances and connections and, perhaps, find a good match, but we will not sacrifice your safety."
"Meanwhile, I will be here missing you yet again," Bennet said, smiling despite the wistful look he gave his daughter.
"And I will miss you as well, Papa, but we have a few weeks before you lose my company yet again."
"She is correct, Bennet," Edward said. "Now, let me pull up the table and I will watch you two play a game of chess."
Soon the trio in the study were engrossed in the game.