“And what is he like?” Kitty asked.
“More reserved,” Mr. Bennet said. “A serious man, with less tendency toward immediate familiarity. Civility is certainly among his qualities, though he offers it with deliberation rather than indiscriminately.”
“Then he is less agreeable than his friend,” Lydia said.
Mr. Bennet’s mouth curved mischievously. “He is agreeable in a different way. Whether that quality will recommend him here remains to be seen.”
Elizabeth noted the distinction. It was neither dismissal nor endorsement, but simply an observation, and one she found herself likely to remember.
“Do they intend to visit?” Mrs. Bennet asked.
“They do. In fact, they have expressed a wish to attend the Meryton assembly.”
The words had scarcely been spoken before Lydia exclaimed, “Oh, we must go!”
Kitty joined her. “We must, indeed! It would be intolerable to remain at home when new gentlemen are present.”
Mr. Bennet did not respond forthwith. He took another sip of his tea, his expression unchanged.
Mrs. Bennet set down her cup. “You will remain at home,” she said.
The firmness in her tone admitted no misunderstanding.
Lydia stared at her. “But Mama—”
“You are not out.”
Kitty’s shoulders fell. “It is most unfair.”
“It is altogether proper,” Mrs. Bennet replied.
“We are nearly out,” Lydia insisted.
“You are still not out.” The repetition carried unmistakable weight. Lydia opened her mouth to argue further, then stopped. The look her mother turned upon her was steady, unyielding, and thoroughly familiar.
Kitty sank back in her chair, her disappointment evident.
Elizabeth, watching the exchange, felt no surprise. Her stepmother’s authority in such matters had long been established, and though Kitty and Lydia might test it, they seldom succeeded in overturning it.
Mr. Bennet set down his cup.
“I believe,” he said, “that the matter has been decided.” There was no appeal from that quarter.
The conversation shifted.
Mrs. Bennet turned her attention to her elder daughters. “We must consider your gowns for the assembly.”
Jane’s expression took on a thoughtful cast. “They are in good condition, though perhaps they might benefit from some alteration.”
“Refreshing, at the very least,” Mrs. Bennet said. “A change of trimming, a different arrangement—something to mark the occasion.”
Mary dipped her head slightly. “It would be prudent.”
Elizabeth, though less given to such considerations, recognized their necessity. “I believe mine may be improved.”
Mrs. Bennet regarded her with a smile. “I have no doubt it may.”
The discussion that followed unfolded with increasing animation. Fabrics were considered, colors debated, and possibilities weighed with care.
