Page 33 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

“Your mother has prepared you as well as she could.” Aunt Gardiner used a gentle tone. “But before you can expect to be welcomed in town, you must learn a great deal more.”

“Why should that be? Jane never had a companion, and she is already married!”

“Selina provided guidance to your two eldest sisters during their formative years, and they learnt to exhibit proper decorum.Youlack that discipline.”

Lydia sent a scowl in my direction. “Jane and Lizzy are your favourites, so you think everything they do is perfect. Well, I am not like them, and I am glad. Mama has told me many times I shall marry a handsome, rich gentleman because I am pretty and lively. I know she is correct, because I am never in want of a partner at a ball.”

I touched Lydia’s arm. “Mama did not benefit from a formal education, and so she could not prepare us to be among the denizens of London.”

“That is correct.” Mrs. Perry’s hand rose to her chest. “Look at my example—my former employer introduced my future husband, Mr. James Perry, to me. I should never have attracted a gentleman of his standing if I had not demonstrated the education and conduct of a lady. I lost my dear James to consumption in our fifth year of marriage. He left me a small house near Cambridge and sufficient funds to live a comfortableexistence. I need never work or marry again, unless I choose to do so.”

Lydia’s slippered foot tapped upon the wood floor. “Maybe I should prefer to marry a handsome officer.”

“That plan is unsound,” said Aunt Gardiner. “A military officer does not earn enough money to support a wife and family.”

My sister’s lower lip protruded.

Aunt Gardiner rested her clasped hands on her lap. “I have witnessed your inappropriate conduct in public. Youmustimprove your behaviour, not only for your own sake but for that of your sisters.”

“What has this to do with them?”

“Your actions may lead people to conclude you lack morals. If they believe this, they may deem your entire family to be tainted and unsuitable.”

Lydia scoffed. “Perhaps a pompous bore like Mr. Darcy might form that opinion, but I do not care what he thinks.” She poked her forefinger at me. “Lizzy may tolerate him now, but I find him to be dull.”

I bit the inside of my mouth lest I defend him. We needed to keep to the topic at hand.

“Your characterisation of Mr. Darcy is faulty.” Aunt Gardiner’s voice took on a sharp edge. “Your uncle and I consider him to be a friend. He is an amicable gentleman.”

I gave my aunt a nod of thanks.

“Ahem.” Mrs. Perry adjusted her seat. “Allow me to be frank, Miss Lydia. Since you lack a fortune, you must attract a gentleman with your beauty, goodness, and virtue. If you act as a coquette, men may suspect you are no longer a maiden, and they would never consider you for marriage in that case. Even worse, unscrupulous men might seek you for reasons other than matrimony. Do you comprehend my meaning?”

A coral tint stained Lydia’s cheeks. “I should never agree to be any man’s mistress!”

“Dishonourable men have been known to force themselves on women.” Mrs. Perry frowned. “It is a terrible truth, but it happens. And lost virtue means a ruined reputation regardless of how unwilling the lady may have been.”

My sister’s chin jutted forwards. “If any man tried to force himself upon me, I should fight him off.”

“You appear to be a strong young lady,” said Mrs. Perry. “But most men are capable of overpowering you. Even if you managed to deter your attacker, if anyone observed you fighting the man, or fleeing from him with a torn gown, your reputation would still be in tatters and your entire family made into outcasts. The sole remedy would be a marriage between you and your attacker.”

“That is not fair!” cried Lydia.

“Nevertheless,” said Aunt Gardiner, “it is the way of the world. I expect you to heed and learn from my sister. Once you can demonstrate proper comportment, we shall venture out in public and see how you fare.”

“But I came here to have fun, not to endure tedious lessons.” Lydia grimaced. “I shall write to Papa at once and tell him I want to go home.”

“Your father sent you here to benefit from my sister’s instruction, and he expects to see an improvement in you before you return.” My aunt offered a smile. “He also provided me with funds to purchase new gowns and other frippery for you—ifyou demonstrate progress.”

Lydia’s nose wrinkled. “Then I have no choice in the matter.”

“No, you do not.” Aunt Gardiner stood and beckoned to me. “Lizzy, let us go to the nursery.” She sent Lydia a stern look. “I expect you to mind Mrs. Perry.”

My sister snickered. “Very well.”

I followed Aunt Gardiner but dallied at the doorway to spy my sister as Mrs. Perry approached her.

“Miss Lydia, please rise. I want you to take your seat again. This time you will demonstrate posture appropriate to a lady. At the moment, you resemble a sack of potatoes.”

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