“It is true. Is it not Jane? She is in love with him, and she would marry him too if he asked!”
“Lydia! Jane. Elizabeth. Can one of you not do something about her?” Kitty demanded, arms crossed as she stared at her younger sister.
“Why? Is Lydia wrong?” Elizabeth teased half-heartedly as she passed a basket of cleaned carrots to one of the maids.If only Lydia might be wrong, then things could stay as they are.
Mouth agape, Kitty stared at Elizabeth before letting out a moan. “Why? Why do I even try? Truly. You both are horrid, so why do I even speak with you still?”
“Because they are family,” Jane said, a wry and equally exacerbated expression aimed at her two misbehaving sisters. “Still, they ought not tease you so… even if they are correct.”
“Jane!” Kitty exclaimed, an embarrassed laugh escaping. “Only Mary has the good grace not to tease me.”
“Well…” Mary began slowly, a grin forming as Kitty’s eyes widened.
“You would not dare!”
“No. Though I am tempted,” Mary laughed.
“Martha,” Jane interrupted the lighthearted argument, “would you bring another basket of blackberries? Mine is nearly used up.” Turning toward her sisters, Jane rested her hands on her hips. “Enough teasing. I apologize, Kitty, for my part. And I am sure the rest of your sisters are equally contrite. Are they not?”
“I suppose,” Lydia sighed, “I still think it is true; but I am sorry I hurt you, Kitty.”
“Lizzy? Mary?” Jane warned, the lull in her temper prepared to cease.
“Me?” Mary questioned. “I was tempted, but did you hear me tease her?”
“I apologize,” Elizabeth hurried before stealing a berry from Jane and plopping it in her mouth; Jane swatting at the offending hand. “Are we forgiven?”
Eyes flicking heavenward, Kitty smiled. “Of course… I was only embarrassed.”
“And tired, no doubt. Mary and I were hard at work this morning, but we had time away from this kitchen at least. You, and Jane, and Kitty, and Martha, and Deborah, and Mrs. Hill, and Rebekah, and…”
“Please, do not list us all… we each know we are overworked,” Kitty laughed as she wiped at her brow. “Only two days until Sunday, then we can enjoy those once familiar things I seem to recollect. Sitting. Sipping tea. Perhaps sleeping! I vaguely recall enjoying that one immensely.”
Shaking her head, Jane sighed, “I cannot speak to the latter, however, we are all in need of the former. An hour’s peace is something we all could use. Here, Mrs. Hill, you all could do with rest too. A bit of tea and some small treat is in order; I am certain we have all earned it. A few minutes first to cover our work, and one to make certain nothing might boil over, then we shall sit and sip.”
In short order squares of waxed cloth were tied over finished jams and preserved foods, while towels were laid over those half done, and the pots busily bubbling were attended–at least one in need of a quick check before the hour would be over. Still, as they pilfered the water they had boiling to steep enough tea for the family and servants, each wearied lady made their way to a seat, the strain on old and young bones alike eased by the comfort of a cushion and the welcome warmth of tea.
“It is better than I recalled,” Kitty breathed as she wiggled further into the cushions, her cup of tea held loosely in hand.
“It might be better than a new ribbon,” Lydia chuckled wearily. “Only a little, mind you.”
“Mmhmm,” her sisters concurred, Elizabeth turning her head toward each; the appearance of every sister mussed, but paired with a certain small smile.
At last,Elizabeth sighed.Things might truly be looking up. True they missed Father greatly, however, not one of the Bennet girls could be said to be anything but thriving.
Jane glowed at being needed and using her talents; Mary no longer leaned solely on the opinions of others, but displayed her own wit and beauty; Kitty ceased to kowtow to Lydia’s whims, developing a firmness of character few possessed; and no longer did Lydia whine until she had her own way, instead working with her sisters, until she became a valuable partner in that work.
Yes,Elizabeth thought as she smiled, giving a light tug to one of Lydia’s curls before brushing a bit of dirt from her forehead,each daughter had proved her worth. Herself included, for hard work and tenacity had been evident in her efforts to keep the estate running and to raise her sisters.
At Lydia’s playful swat, Elizabeth chuckled.What more could she want? Indeed, what more could anyone want, than to have the love of four sisters, a fine estate to challenge mind and body, and the ability to grow from that challenge? No. Her life had to be perfect–barring the pain of Father’s continued absence and Mother’s secret–for in more hours than not, there was joy and purpose.
Too bad Kitty would likely decide to marry; with all of them home and working together, things were perfect just as they were.
Chapter 9
Pemberley in Derbyshire, England – 1812
Bingley proved as Darcy’s cousin had described, amiable, honest, and without care for Darcy’s less than regarded connections, his own connections to trade perhaps softening the man toward a similarly looked down upon sector. More than that, however, it appeared to Darcy that the man rarely dwelt upon negative things. He focused on promise. On those things he could find of worth around him. And on joy; for to him, laughter, gaiety, and pleasantness were of natural occurrence, always available and available in abundance.
