Page 23 of Resilience

“It was Miss Darcy’s idea, I did not know it was unsuitable!” Mary wailed, beginning to cry. “Even Lady Priscilla and Mrs Annesley encouraged us, I would never be vain!”

“Lady Priscilla and Miss Darcy are not my concern!” Mrs Bennet’s voice rose above her daughters as her husband sank lower in his chair behind his newspaper. “My concern is how unbecoming it is for any daughter of this house to seek admiration so openly!”

“Except Jane, of course. And Lydia, when it suits Mama,” Kitty replied sullenly, pushing her ham and eggs about her plate.

“Mama only means that being too forward in displaying oneself invites judgement. And we all know that judgement can all too often be cruel.” Jane’s face was as placid as always. “I am not being cruel. Everyone knows that Mary likes to hear herself sing, and that Lizzy likes everyone to look at her. It was sweet of Miss Darcy to think of such a gesture. But sometimes gestures are mistaken for vanity.”

“Jane, Mama taught us all to be forward and to chase men and demand attention. And now we are to be punished for being noticed, when our behaviour has been far less scandalous than she ever instructed,” Elizabeth observed ironically. “Mary and I have not even attempted to obey her, but we are somehow improper anyway.”

Mary’s tears turned to real sobs, then she jumped from the table and ran from the room.

“Mama, may I please be excused?” Elizabeth could tolerate no more of this absurdity. “I have a headache.”

Jane’s head snapped up sharply. “A headache?”

“Yes, Jane. A headache.” Elizabeth was out of patience. “I am known to have them when I am plagued with anxiety, and I can say this meal has brought me more than my share. Mama, may I please go? I am sorry about the dress. I cannot do anything besides apologise.”

Jane was not to be deterred. “Did not Lady Priscilla complain of a headache last night?”

“She did, yes, but I believe she only sought an excuse to retire early with her young cousin.” Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed. “She seemed entirely well. I do not see the significance.”

Jane’s eyes began to well up. “Oh heavens! Lizzy, you were in her room, wearing her clothes! Mama, what if it could be catching?”

“A headache?” Elizabeth laughed over Mrs Bennet’s gasp. “It was a brand new ball gown, Priscilla had never worn it before. I hardly borrowed the nightgown she slept in the night before, Jane.”

“I fall ill so easily! What if Lizzy were exposed to something without realising, and then I were to fall ill the very day before my wedding!”

“Jane, you are being ridiculous!” Elizabeth regarded her sister with astonishment.

“How would you know, Elizabeth Bennet, you do not know the first thing about illness!” Mrs Bennet cried. “To spend the whole of the evening in such close company with that earl’s daughter, visiting her room, wearing her clothes! How could you be so reckless, you dreadful girl?”

“I am not ill.” Elizabeth insisted.

“You just said you have a headache!” Mrs Bennet’s hysteria and her voice were rising. “You will not remain in this house another night! Go upstairs and pack your things, you are going to my brother in Gracechurch Street!”

“Mama!” Elizabeth was shocked. To banish her all the way to London for a headache was extreme.

“Mr Bennet, I insist that you make the carriage or the cart available to take Lizzy to my brother,” Mrs Bennet insisted.

“Your brother and his wife are arriving here tomorrow afternoon, Fanny,” Mr Bennet reminded his wife. “They will only bring her back with them again.”

“They are not bringing the children for the wedding because they are returning again so soon for the festive season.” Mrs Bennet would brook no argument. “Lizzy can stay at their home with the children.”

“It seems that Mama does not mind if her own young nieces and nephews become ill.” Lydia nudged Kitty sarcastically. “If only we could all be as beloved as Jane.”

“Little children do not die of trifling colds!” Jane began to weep. “You are all acting as if I am some sort of terrible person. I am only anxious about being ill at my own wedding! I do not wish to send Lizzy away, how can you be so cruel! It is only until we are sure!”

Elizabeth watched her sister produce tears as if she were pumping from a well, again, and attempted to picture herself standing up with Jane at her wedding. After a long moment’s contemplation, she found herself unable to face it. This was for the best. Perhaps after being married for a time, Jane would come to her old self again, but for right now, a bolt for London sounded like heaven to Elizabeth.

“I will pack.” She rose from her chair.

“Mrs Bennet, there is far too much happening today and tomorrow, and the horses are needed on the farm so they might be available for the wedding day.” Mr Bennet folded his paper and frowned, realising his wife was serious. “I will not give you the horses, nor even a mule.”

“Oh hush, Mr Bennet, as if I would allow your machinations to prevent me!” Mrs Bennet rose and left the room, her voice trailing behind her. “I shall ask Sir Lucas for the loan of his mule and cart, he is such a gentlemanly man.”

An hour later, Darcy, Priscilla, and Georgiana were shown into Longbourn’s drawing room. A moment later, they were joined by Mrs Bennet. “Good morning, Lady Priscilla, Mr Darcy, Miss Darcy. I fear you have found us all at sixes and sevens preparing for the wedding, and none of the girls are available for your call.”

“Of course, Mrs Bennet,” Darcy answered smoothly. “We are here because I have received an urgent message from my uncle, Lord Matlock, requiring our return to town immediately.”