Page 70 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
Bennet studied the woman he had been married to these many years, a woman he thought claimed a mean understanding. Chagrined, Bennet had learnt in these last days that his wife foundhimlacking in the guidance of their daughters and support for herself. Her being angry with him, he well comprehended. Suspecting her silence resulted from something more profound, his frustration increased because he did not yet know the cause. Bennet recognized the irony as he had ever requested quietude.
After speaking with Mr. Darcy, he believed all would be well. But the few words shesparedhim this morning had been spoken with exceeding civility. Curiosity won out, and Bennet asked his wife to join him in the study.
“In the reassessment of my accounts, one way I can save a few coins for your home is by growing more fruits and vegetables. You can see on this page what we hope to grow if you allow the expansion of the lower garden in the coming planting season. Adding more cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and onions will significantly reduce the amount that needs to be purchased. And another cow for milk to be made into creams and butter wouldbe of great benefit.” Mrs. Bennet’s tone was pleasant, but her eyes were diamond-hard.
“It is also your home, Fanny,” Mr. Bennet said, dropping his glasses on the household ledger.
“I have collected many baubles, foolish baubles as Mary calls them, from about the house. I have had them packed in crates for my brother’s assessor to examine. Your family’s things are in place,” Mrs. Bennet said distantly.
“I have collected an eclectic set of tomes. We will deposit the funds from both our efforts, as well as any additional funds from your budget, into an account that you will have exclusive access to. I intend to follow Mr. Darcy’s advice to increase the yield from our fields in the next three years. All funds, above what we budget and the tenants’ needs, will be added to it,” Mr. Bennet said, his shoulders falling when he received no ready response.
“I appreciate that you are willing to consider what I and our unmarried daughters shall face should I outlive you, Mr. Bennet.”
“Fanny, please. I am in earnest when I say I prefer a wife with agitated nerves to a wife who speaks to me like I am a stranger.”
“Maybe you miss having cause to make sport of me to our neighbors? Did you know Elizabeth is considering a life in service because, of all the horrific things which might happen to her should she be alone and without protection, she fears being married to a man who mocks her at every turn?”
“I do not think any other words could hurt me more, Fanny.” He pressed fingers to his eyes, burning hot with unshed tears.
“I hope you have found all the pleasures you sought in this room rather than aiding me in the guidance of our daughters. I intend to express my sincere appreciation toMaddie and Edward for their guidance to Jane and Elizabeth. Our eldest tried in every way to impart this knowledge to their sisters. I apologize for intruding on your solitude.” Mrs. Bennet stood to depart.
“Fanny—”
“The attempts I made to gain your attention? Recollections so humiliating that it is difficult to face my daughters. I, at last, understand Elizabeth. She makes every effort now to ensure she will understand her future husband’s concerns so she will not be ignored or ridiculed. Pray, excuse me. My daughters await my return in the drawing room.”
A Heartening Conversation Had in the Drawing Room
Mrs. Bennet left the study even though she heard her husband call her back. The weak effort in his voice lent her permission to pretend she had not heard him. Upon entering the drawing room, she found only Elizabeth and Jane.
“Lydia has gone with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst,” Elizabeth said warmly.
“Lizzy, I owe you an apology.”
“Let us all partake in the blame, Mama. Just know, you shall not be tossed into the hedgerows, no matter what I must do.”
“A mother has never been more blessed in her daughters,” Mrs. Bennet said, wrapping Elizabeth in her arms.
Miss Bingley is Sized Up
Lydia scanned the patterns and swatches of material, glancing at Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley time and again, studying their complexion and stature.
“I brought the sketches we have used these last two years,” Lydia said, placing Kitty’s sketches on the counter before the mantua-maker. “Today, both Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley intend to order three gowns. We will make adjustments to match current styles and their preference.”
Lydia looked through the dozens of drawings, separating those she thought would best suit each of her companions.
“I will have one ready tomorrow for each. We can have a fitting in the early afternoon, if that suits your schedule. The others, within a week,” Mrs. Hemstock said, collecting up what she required to measure Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley.
“My sisters, on occasion, allow me to choose everything about the gown, so they are surprised at the fitting,” Lydia said, turning to those ladies she accompanied. “I will be honest. Mary was once displeased with my choice of ribbon. She initially thought it too bright but has since come to consider the gown a favorite and is often complimented when wearing it. You can tell Mrs. Hemstock if you wish to see everything beforehand.”
“This is all quite exciting. I shall wait with the same anticipation your sisters enjoy, Miss Lydia,” Mrs. Hurst said without any hesitation.
“It is diverting that we intend to place ourselves in the hands of one so young who has, by her own admission, never been to Town. I, too, will do as your sisters choose,” Miss Bingley said after the barest of hesitations, notable only because her sister had none.
Lydia was certain Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst did not mean for her to overhear that, at worst, the gowns would be fine additions to the poor box. They had the grace to blush at seeing Mrs. Hemstock’s horrified expression.
“It is more like we will be flattered, such as has never been managed by a London modiste, if the gowns worn by the Miss Bennets are indicative of Miss Lydia’s skill,” Mrs. Hurst said to smooth over the near insult. “Mrs. Hemstock, might I confer with you on an article of a more personal nature?”
Mrs. Hurst was led to the back, the first of the sisters to have her measurements taken.
