“Lizzy, it is only the truth, my dear. We may never see Lydia again. She must now live by her own wits. She is a clever girl, though she has not always applied her understanding to worthy ends. She has pursued only men and frivolity. Now she must turn her mind to her own preservation.”
“Papa, I cannot help but think Mr. Adams too young to be a provider and protector in a foreign country.”
Mr. Gardiner spoke. “There, you are mistaken, Elizabeth. The East India Company operates much like a government. It has its own ports, ships, hierarchy, and established systems for managing its people abroad.” His voice was firm and persuasive.
“Adams has conducted himself well in London and now is to work under a senior Company man engaged in trade with the local population. There will be someone to receive him and his wife upon their arrival in Calcutta. They will be provided with suitable lodgings and introduced into the Company circle. If they escape the fevers and the cholera, they may do very well, and if Adams continues as he has begun, he will rise in time.”
She ventured one more thought. “Then this may prove the making of my sister.”
Mr. Gardiner did not pursue the point but instead turned to his wife. Madeline rose. “Lizzy, let us have some music.”
Elizabeth smiled faintly and rose, the topic was now closed.
“We shall have none of your melancholy airs tonight, my dear. We will perform something lively. What say you to ‘The Irish Washerwoman’?”
The following morning, Elizabeth and her father were the only two remaining at the breakfast table.
“Papa, what is to be done now? Will you return directly to Longbourn?”
“I must return by the end of the week, Elizabeth. There is no telling what mischief Kitty may contrive. If Lydia could be so taken with a vagabond, I tremble to consider what Kitty might do.”
“You misjudge Kitty, sir. She is easily led, whether for good or ill. I imagine she is at home pining for her sister.”
“Yes, I believe you are right. She is likely at loose ends, uncertain how to occupy herself.”
“How long must I remain here, sir? And what account will you give Mamma and our neighbors of Lydia?”
“That is a difficult question. What might detain you both until the matter is forgotten? It will not escape notice that Lydia and that fellow disappeared at the same time.”
“I doubt it, sir. Lydia is devious when she wishes to escape the house for what she considers innocent amusement, but she is also inclined to boast. We should have heard of it. I believe it was a recent attachment.”
Mr. Bennet shook his head. “Worse and worse, Elizabeth. That a daughter of mine should leave her home for a man she scarcely knew is beyond comprehension.”
“She is very young, Papa. Only fifteen.”
“Yes, that must be her only excuse, though she appears to have inherited more of your mother’s disposition than any of her sisters.”
Elizabeth considered for a moment. “I shall not quarrel with you, sir, except to say that Lydia possesses understanding, though she has never applied it to anything of worth. She trusted a handsome face and pleasing manners and believed what she wished to believe. She is young, uninformed, and lacks sound judgment.”
His lip curled. “I confess I feel a strong disgust at this entire situation. And now we must live a lie for at least two years to conceal her ruination. When I return, I shall say your aunt requires your assistance. You will manage the household, while Lydia remains at Madeline’s side to do her bidding.” He rubbed his eyes wearily.
“In a month or two, you shall write that your aunt is improved. Your uncle, grateful for your care, will send Lydia to a ladies’ seminary. It must be at some distance from London, or your mother will insist upon visiting her.”
Elizabeth caught the thought and continued it. “Anywhere north of Hertfordshire would do, sir.”
Mr. Bennet tapped the table. “I shall scour the advertisements tomorrow and search for a ladies' seminary in the north.”
"If the seminary has some distinction to recommend it, Mamma will find something to boast of. Say, for example, that it is patronized by the daughters of peers or of wealthy families."
Mr. Bennet regarded her. “Elizabeth, I believe the story will answer very well.”
“And what of me, sir? How long am I to remain in London? When shall I be permitted to return home and be with my dear Jane again? I shall miss her exceedingly.”
“I am sorry for you, Lizzy. Your sister committed the offense, yet you must bear a part of the consequence. Your aunt is four months along. Remain with her for two or three months, and then we shall say she is out of danger and no longer requires your assistance.”
Chapter 7: The Countess Prevails
Darcy stood at his desk while his aunt reproved him, and his cousin looked on with undisguised amusement.
