Page 8 of Gold and Good Sense

The next day, after Mama and Lydia returned home, Papa surprisingly gathered the whole family in the drawing room, saying that he had some news to share. Kitty was curious to know what would prompt their usually reticent father to step forward in such a way.

She didn’t have to wait long. Once everyone was seated, Papa said, “I wanted to discuss Collin’s will with you all.”

“If I remember correctly, he only had five thousand pounds when he ran off to America,” said Mama. “If he didn’t fritter it away, it will make a fine addition to our girls’ dowries.”

Papa actually chuckled, though Kitty could see nothing funny about Mama’s statement. She thought her mother was quite correct.

“He did not waste it, I assure you,” said Papa. He then went on to tell some long tale of how Uncle Bennet had found gold on his land. He ended with, “Now, his good fortune belongs to you. Each of you girls will receive an equal portion of his wealth.”

Mama was the first to respond. “Oh, my girls,” she cried. “How rich you will be. What rich husbands you will attract now that you have such fine dowries. Tell me, husband, how much will our daughters receive? I imagine if he found gold, he must have been quite wealthy indeed.”

Papa looked at her in that calculating way he had. Kitty couldn’t imagine what he was thinking. Eventually, he said, “They will receive somewhat more than ten thousand pounds each.”

“Ooh. That’s even better than I imagined,” said Mama. She turned to her daughters and said, “Now none of you will have trouble attracting a husband, and we shall all be secure for all our days. I worried there for a little bit about what would happen to Longbourn now that the heir has passed, but now it doesn’t matter. It will all go to that annoying cousin of Mr. Bennet’s, but we will still be comfortable, will we not, girls?”

“I do hope I attract a husband first,” said Lydia. “While I am the youngest and not yet out, I am sure I shall be quite the most popular young lady once I am.” She glanced at Jane and said, “Though Jane will probably get married first. With both her beauty and a large dowry, there is no way she will be passed over as she has been so far.”

Kitty noticed that Jane stared down at her hands and did not respond.

“Don’t worry, Lydia, my love,” said Mama. “Once you are out in a few months, I am certain you shall have no shortage of suitors.”

“I do believe that is enough discussion of suitors and husbands,” said Papa with some asperity. “I must insist that none of you be in a hurry to marry. Just continue to live your lives as you have until I have settled all the financial and legal affairs associated with this inheritance. If you can all behave yourselves prettily, perhaps we can all go to the seaside this summer as a reward.”

Kitty could tell it pained Papa to say such a thing. He did not like traveling, so for him to actually offer to take them anywhere must mean it was important. Even so, Kitty could not imagine her mother ever letting go of the subject of marrying her girls off, especially now that they were rich.

“In the meantime,” he continued, “I will need to go to London to speak with Collin’s solicitors to arrange the transfer of the funds and to set up individual accounts for each of you. I will likely be gone a couple of weeks.”

“Oh, Mr. Bennet, why must you rush off just when we have such good news?” asked Mama. “I am certain my brother Phillips can take care of any little legal matter for you.”

“Phillips has been of enormous service to me over the years,” said Papa. “However, this is something I must take care of in person. Now, if there are no more questions, I must speak privately with Jane and Elizabeth.”

No one raised any objections, so Papa and Kitty’s two eldest sisters left the room. Once they were gone, Mama said, “Now my dears, it is a good thing I acquired a great deal of good cloth in London. We must have a new gown made for each of you immediately so that you can look the part of elegant heiresses.”

“For my part, I would rather decline,” said Mary. “I believe it is considered rather vulgar to flaunt one’s wealth so openly.”

Before Mama could attempt to convince Mary, Lydia said, “Why must you always be such a wet blanket, Mary? You always take the fun out of everything. Even if you don’t wish to look pretty, the rest of us certainly do.”

“Well, I have said my piece,” said Mary. “Mama, may I be excused to go practice the piano.”

Mama hesitated, but then she gave in. “Very well. Go run off to the music room, if you insist.” Once Mary was gone, Mama, Kitty, and Lydia settled in for a long and detailed chat about what gowns they would like to have made and when the earliest chance of showing them off might be.

Chapter 4

Elizabeth was subdued as she followed her father down the hall and into his bookroom. She was mourning the loss of her uncle more than one would expect, for she truly had enjoyed getting to know him. Mostly what she was mourning was the loss of two decades of time to learn more about him, rather than the single week she had.

And now the news of their inheritance sat like a stone in her stomach. Money and wealth that she did not need could not possibly make up for the loss of her uncle.

She mentally chided herself for eschewing the money. After all, her mother had been correct. Ten thousand pounds would make it far easier for them all to find husbands, and even if they didn’t marry, it would be enough to live on.

Once Elizabeth and Jane were settled in chairs facing their father, Papa said, “I would like to ask the two of you to accompany me to London when I go tomorrow.”

Elizabeth felt her mouth open a little in surprise, but it was Jane who spoke. “Why would you need us to accompany you?”

Papa shifted in his seat as though he were uncomfortable with what he was about to say. “Well, for one thing, you, Jane, are twenty-one. Therefore, your fortune is your own, so you will need to sign the paperwork to transfer it into your possession.”

“I see,” said Jane.

Elizabeth said nothing, because she was certain there was more.