Their father continued reading his book. “How very perceptive of you, Lizzy.”
Kitty’s smile wavered. “What do you mean? Aunt and Uncle Gardiner likely already have invitations to at least three different evening parties this week alone. It could be that they even have a box at the theater reserved for us.”
Lydia bounced in her seat again. “And some officers from the militia have temporary assignments in Town! Mrs. Forster mentioned that Captain Denny and Lieutenant Saunderson are both here. Maybe Mr. Wickham accompanied them. Oh, how I shall enjoy renewing our acquaintance in a more elegant setting.”
Mary set her sermons aside. “I confess that I am most looking forward to accessing the lending libraries. There are several volumes of moral philosophy I have been eager to read.”
Lydia rolled her eyes. “Trust Mary to think only of books when there are beaus to be won.”
Elizabeth moved instinctively toward Lydia as thecarriage hit a bump but then withdrew. She directed a sharp look at their father. His silence was harsh.
The carriage rolled to a stop before an imposing brick building. The morning sunlight illuminated the brass nameplate:Miss Peabody’s Academy for Young Ladies.
Kitty’s brow furrowed. “Papa, I think the driver has made an error. This is not Gracechurch Street, is it?”
Lydia squinted at the sign. “Academy for Young Ladies?” Her voice rose with each word. “Papa? What is this place?”
At long last, Thomas Bennet closed his book with a decisive snap. “This, my dear daughters, is where you shall spend the next year completing your education.”
The color drained from Lydia’s face and quickly flooded back in angry red splotches. “What? Papa, you cannot be serious! A school? I am nearly sixteen years old, far too mature for school!”
Elizabeth’s hands clenched in her lap as her eyes pierced their father’s.
Kitty cried. “But what about the Gardiners? What about the parties and the shopping?”
“Father…” Elizabeth warned.
Mary straightened with pleasure. “A finishing school? How wonderful! I shall have access to proper instruction in art and music theory.”
Lydia gripped the seat cushion, her knuckles white. “Papa, you must reconsider! I am on the verge of receiving a proposal. I am certain of it! Captain Denny has been most attentive, and Lieutenant Saunderson always asks me to dance twice at every assembly. Mr. Wickham pays me the utmost attention.”
Their father’s mouth quirked. “My dear Lydia, if thesegentlemen’s affections are as strong as you believe, they will wait for your return.”
Tears spilled down Kitty’s cheeks, but Lydia shot to her feet in the confined space, her bonnet askew after rapping her head on the ceiling. “I refuse! I will not be shut up in some dreadful school with a pack of annoyingly dull misses when I should be in Society. I shall write to Mama this instant.”
Elizabeth’s jaw twitched. “Lydia, I believe our father’s decision is final.”
Their father met his youngest daughter’s furious gaze. “It is. Your mother is quite aware of the arrangement.”
Elizabeth looked away. “Of course she is.” She placed a gentle touch on Kitty’s shoulder, surprised by the ache she felt.
Lydia made one last attempt to get their father to see reason. “I am meant to be married within the year. Everyone says so.” Her lower lip jutted in stubborn defiance. “Papa, you are ruining my entire future. I shall never forgive you for this betrayal!”
With unhurried dignity, their father stepped from the carriage. “I shall endeavor to bear your displeasure with fortitude. Now, wait here while I speak with the headmistress. I shall return shortly.”
Lydia threw herself against the seat. “This is the most vile, unjust treatment imaginable! To be deceived so completely. And I was about to make such an advantageous match.”
Elizabeth captured her youngest sister’s fingers in her own. “Lydia, you may find that a few months of education will make you even more attractive to discerning gentlemen.”
Lydia snorted through her tears. “Little do you know. Attractive gentlemen care nothing for bluestocking accomplishments. They want a wife who is lively and charming, not one who can conjugate Latin verbs.”
“Perhaps this experience will serve you in ways you cannot yet see.” Elizabeth struggled to contain her own emotions.
Kitty whispered fearfully, “What if they make us wear those dreadful caps and speak only when spoken to?”
Mary smiled. “I suspect the discipline will be beneficial for both of you.”
Lydia glared at their father’s retreating figure. “Mark my words, Papa. This will come to nothing but misery for all concerned. I am not meant to be caged like some common schoolgirl.”
