Benjamin was lying in his cradle, blinking up at the ceiling with wide, curious eyes. The moment he saw her, his tiny arms flailed excitedly, and a soft coo escaped his lips.
“Oh, my love,” Elizabeth murmured, scooping him up and pressing a kiss to his plump cheek. “Have you been a good boy?”
Benjamin gurgled in response, snuggling into her embrace. Cradling him close, she returned downstairs to the drawing room, where Mrs. Gardiner was already deep in discussion with Mrs. Bennet.
“—but you must hold firm, Fanny,” Mrs. Gardiner was saying as Elizabeth entered and took a seat on the settee. “Lydia’s behavior is not just a matter of youthful high spirits. It is a true risk to her future, and to that of your entire family.”
Mrs. Bennet sniffed, dabbing at her eyes with her handkerchief. “But she is so young! It is natural for a girl of her age to want some enjoyment—”
“Enjoyment is one thing, recklessness is another,” Mrs. Gardiner interrupted. “Fanny, if she is not reined in now, what do you suppose will happen? I tell you plainly—if she is not checked, I will not allow her to stay with us should the worst befall Mr. Bennet.”
A stunned silence filled the room.
Even Elizabeth, who had been prepared for a lecture, looked up sharply. "Aunt," she said, her tone caught between shock and reproach.
Mrs. Gardiner did not waver. "And if she is allowed to run wild before then—if she ruins herself and drags your reputations down with her—none of you will be welcome."
A stunned hush fell over the room. Even Kitty, who was usually inclined to defend Lydia, seemed too shocked to speak.
Mrs. Bennet raised a trembling hand to her chest. "Maddie, surely you do not mean—"
"I do," Mrs. Gardiner interrupted. "I love my nieces, but I love my own children more. I will not risk their futures for Lydia’s foolishness. You must take her in hand, or you will all suffer the consequences."
Mrs. Bennet burst into fresh tears, while Jane reached for her hand in silent comfort. Elizabeth, meanwhile, swallowed hard and looked down at Benjamin, his tiny fist wrapped around her finger.
But Aunt Gardiner is right. Something must be done, or Lydia could ruin us all.
“Very well, Maddie,” Mrs. Bennet whispered. “I will do what I can.”
Elizabeth let out a slow breath.Hopefully it is not too late.
Chapter 8
Within the week, the ladies of Netherfield paid a call on those at Longbourn, and the visit was about to be returned. Mrs. Gardiner accompanied her sister-by-marriage and her nieces—although Lydia was left at home, still locked in the nursery. The youngest Bennet girl was not adapting to her new circumstances very well, and Elizabeth was relieved that the room was located in a way that Lydia’s infuriated shrieking was muffled to the rest of the house.
“I am quite looking forward to finally seeing Netherfield Park,” Mrs. Gardiner said as the estate came into view. “I have never been inside.”
“It has always been a handsome house, even when I was a girl,” Mrs. Bennet replied. “When Lucy and I were girls just coming out, there were several parties hosted by Sir Reginald, the owner. Edward would have been too young to attend, ofcourse, but Lucy and I passed many wonderful evenings in these rooms.”
“Of course, it must be in a much different condition now,” Elizabeth said. “Having sat empty for so long, I imagine Mr. Bingley must need to do quite a bit for it. It has been empty for so long that I am surprised anyone was even interested in it.”
“There were actually quite a number of people who were interested,” Mrs. Bennet said, leaning forward and speaking in a hushed voice to add to the intrigue. “Mr. Bingley is just the one who offered the best leasing agreement.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “Indeed?”
Mrs. Bennet nodded furiously. “Oh, yes, I had it from Lucy. Mr. Philips was the one to provide the papers for the contract, and he told her all about it. Apparently, the price was driven up considerably when another gentleman attempted to secure the estate in spite of the deposit being paid.”
Elizabeth exchanged an amused glance with her aunt. “How fortunate that he has such deep pockets, then.”
“I should hope so,” Mrs. Bennet said. “I only wish it had been a sale rather than a lease. That would be a true sign of permanency. But perhaps, once he realizes how much the area has to offer…” She looked meaningfully towards Jane, whose cheeks turned pink.
“The fire certainly had a tremendous effect on Hertfordshire,” Mary interjected. “I would not have thought so, given that we are so far from London.”
“We are closer to London than many other counties with large estates, and Meryton is along one of the main thoroughfares,”Elizabeth replied. “It only makes sense that estates within a half-day’s journey of London would be highly sought after.”
“I wonder how long he intends to stay,” Jane mused softly.
“I should think that depends entirely on whether a certain young lady maintains his interest,” Mrs. Gardiner said with a smirk.
