Page 7 of What Change Entails

Lydia stared at her with genuine confusion. That expression agitated Elizabeth more than anger had. “Do you compare Brighton with Babylon itself?”

“No,” Elizabeth said. “Only a place where foolishness may be encouraged instead of corrected.”

Lydia opened her mouth again, but Mr. Bennet interrupted at last.

“That is enough.”

The room quieted instantly.

He swept his gaze around the table with remarkable weariness. “I have reached a decision.”

Mrs. Bennet sat upright. “You mean Lydia may go after all?”

“Not to Brighton.”

Lydia went white with outrage.

Mr. Bennet continued before interruption became possible. “Your aunt and uncle Gardiner depart north within the fortnight. Derbyshire, among other places. Lydia may accompany them instead.”

No one spoke. Even Mary appeared startled enough to forget moral commentary.

Then Lydia cried, “North?”

“As I said.”

She spluttered. “There are no officers in the north!”

“I suspect the north contains at least several officers. England would become difficult to defend otherwise.” Mr. Bennet stabbed a carrot.

“This is punishment.” Lydia was ready to mutiny.

“It is compromise,” their father insisted.

“It is exile!”

Kitty was near tears herself now. “Oh, Lydia.”

Mrs. Bennet pressed one hand dramatically against her chest. “Mr. Bennet, you cannot mean it seriously.”

“I assure you I can.”

“But Brighton was settled!” Mrs. Bennet grabbed her handkerchief and dabbed at invisible tears.

“Apparently it was not.”

Lydia stood so abruptly her chair scraped harshly against the floor. “I would rather die than spend the summer wandering about with my aunt and uncle.”

Mr. Bennet took another bite of tart. “Then I recommend perseverance. Death would inconvenience everyone.”

Kitty made a choking sound suspiciously like suppressed laughter.

Lydia stared around the table in betrayal. “You are all against me.”

“No,” Jane said gently, she alone retaining her equanimity. “we are just concerned for you.”

“There is no difference.” Lydia fled the room again, this time openly weeping. Kitty hurried after her.

Mrs. Bennet rounded upon her husband in outrage. “How could you be so cruel?”