Page 2 of What Change Entails
Lydia groaned theatrically and flung herself back against the sofa cushions. “There! I knew she would begin.”
Mrs. Bennet’s expression stiffened. “What can you mean by that, Lizzy?”
Elizabeth set the letter aside altogether. “Simply that Lydia is very young.”
“I am not a child.”
“You are not quite sixteen,” Elizabeth reminded her.
Lydia scowled. “Almost.”
“Even so.”
Her sister crossed her arms. “You are determined to make me ancient before my time.”
Mrs. Bennet gave an impatient sniff. “I declare I cannot imagine why you must always speak so severely to your sisters. Lydia is invited because she is lively and agreeable.”
Elizabeth stared directly at her mother. “That is not always protection against imprudence.”
The room quieted for half a beat.
Kitty stopped fidgeting with the ribbons at her sleeve.
Mary lowered her book again, alert now in the manner of a person sensing approaching conflict and hoping to contribute unnecessarily.
Mrs. Bennet stared. “Imprudence?”
“Yes. Lydia has already encouraged enough gossip in Meryton.”
“I have done no such thing,” Lydia protested. “If officers choose to admire me, I cannot prevent it.”
“That is just the difficulty. You never attempt to.”
Lydia’s mouth fell open.
Mrs. Bennet straightened in her chair. “Really, Lizzy, your jealousy grows intolerable.”
Elizabeth blinked. “Jealousy?”
“You cannot endure Lydia receiving attention.”
“That is absurd.” She shook her head.
“Is it?” Lydia demanded. “You were very cross after Colonel Carter danced with me three times.”
“I was cross because you spent half the evening shouting across the assembly rooms.”
Kitty muffled a laugh behind one hand.
Lydia rounded upon her instantly. “Do not laugh at me!”
“You sounded as if you stood on opposite sides of Hertfordshire.”
“I was merely lively,” Lydia said defensively.
Mrs. Bennet nodded emphatically. “Exactly so. Young men admire spirits. Nobody wishes to dance with a girl who resembles a funeral procession.”
Mary cleared her throat. “A modest and retiring disposition has long been considered among the chief ornaments of the female character.”
