Page 5 of What Change Entails

The sound conveyed neither agreement nor disagreement.

Elizabeth clasped her hands together more securely. “She has no restraint.”

“That has certainly been established.”

“She encourages attention everywhere she goes.” How can he not see it?

Mr. Bennet’s mouth twitched. “Youth often does.”

“She would be surrounded by officers with little occupation beyond amusing themselves.”

“Also true.” Her father appeared disinterested.

Elizabeth pressed harder. “And Mrs. Forster is hardly capable of governing her.”

“That may be the truest observation yet.”

Elizabeth stared.

Her father closed the book at last and regarded her more directly. “You speak with remarkable earnestness today, Lizzy.”

“Because I am serious.”

“I see that.” He leaned back against the tree trunk. “You think something genuinely unfortunate may occur.” The lightness had gone from his tone.

Elizabeth pivoted away and peered across the lawn. “I think Lydia has never once been denied encouragement for her worst habits. Everyone laughs because she is lively. She believes admiration excuses every impropriety.”

“And Brighton would worsen it.”

“Yes. If something is not done, if she is not corrected or restrained, she will ruin all our reputations.”

Mr. Bennet tapped one finger thoughtfully against the book’s spine. For several moments they remained silent. The breeze stirred overhead branches into a soft rustling motion. Somewhere near the stable yard a dog barked twice in quick succession.

Finally, Mr. Bennet sighed. “Well. That is inconvenient.”

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes. “Inconvenient?”

“You ask me to become responsible in my old age. A dreadful burden for any man.”

Despite herself, she chuckled.

His expression softened at the sound. Then he said, “You have discomposed me, child.”

Elizabeth looked at him quickly.

Mr. Bennet grimaced almost like admitting it physically pained him. “Do not appear so astonished. I possess occasional sense. Rarely, perhaps. Still.”

“You truly mean it?”

“I mean Lydia grows more absurd every month, and I have likely encouraged it by preferring amusement to correction.” He reopened the book, then shut it again almost immediately. “There. You see what discomfort you have caused me? I cannot even read properly.”

Elizabeth lowered herself onto the bench beside him. Then Mr. Bennet muttered, “Your mother will never forgive me if I retract permission now.”

“She may survive.”

He laughed mirthlessly. “She will claim otherwise.”

“And Lydia?”