Page 2 of Hidden Desires
“Please join us,” Elizabeth said. “I do not think they will repeat their behavior, and if they do, Papa might never allow them off the estate again.”
“But nothing in town interests me,” Mary replied. “If I come along, you will only regret it. I have no wish to look at dresses or try on hats.”
“What about Aunt Phillips?” Jane asked. “It has been some time since she last saw you, and I am sure she would welcome your visit. We can spend part of the afternoon with her.”
At the mention of her aunt, Mary’s expression softened. Her gaze lifted to meet theirs, and after a long breath, she squared her shoulders as though bracing herself for battle.
“I will come,” she said. “But let us go now before I change my mind.”
Lydia and Kitty rushed off to prepare while the others waited at the door.
* * *
The sight of her father standing in the entrance hall, his expression once again calm, brought Elizabeth up short. The stern gaze that had frightened her unruly sisters was gone, replaced by the gentle mirth she knew so well.
“Where is your anger?” she asked, hesitant to voice the question.
Bennet chuckled, as though the incident had already slipped from memory.
“Forgive me,” he said with a shrug. “It was necessary to remind Kitty and Lydia of their place in this family. I regret the tone, but I had to act. I know it is too much to hope they might treat her with kindness, but let me have my dream.”
Elizabeth laughed. “They will be polite, I promise. The shock you gave them should earn Mary some respect, if only for today.”
“And I promise to protect her from Lydia’s abuse,” Jane added. Her firm tone surprised both Elizabeth and their father, coming as it did from the gentlest of his five daughters.
“Watch them,” he said as they passed through the door to join the others waiting on the drive.
“Lydia’s fascination with the regiment troubles me.
She may ignore any attempt to keep her away, and watch for a moment of carelessness to slip off.
The consequences could be lasting, and our name is not so strong that it can endure scandal.
Do not let her cause trouble for you or Jane. ”
“I will do my best to prevent it,” Elizabeth said. “Remember, Papa, Mary is coming with us. I believe we can keep them from finding trouble, no matter how hard they try.”
“I trust you, Lizzy,” he said, as she rejoined the group and led them to the roadway.
“Wait,” he called, stopping them at the edge of the property. “Mrs. Bennet asked me to remind you to stop at your aunt’s house. It will please your mother if you pay her a visit. Mrs. Phillips is fond of you.”
“We plan to,” she called back, continuing down the path. “Tell Mama not to worry. We would not think of going to town without calling on her.”
Bennet returned to the house as the group disappeared around the corner. She knew where he was headed. The library called to him most days, and he did not bother to resist. He would remain there until supper, unless something unavoidable drew him away.
* * *
With a silent laugh, Elizabeth followed the road that stretched ahead. The afternoon was pleasant, and she, always mindful of her surroundings, lifted her face to the sun, basking in its warmth and listening to the woodland sounds around them.
“What a glorious day,” Jane said as they walked. “Like you, I love the country, though not with the same affection.”
“How can you not treasure this?” Elizabeth asked, sweeping her arm to the woods that stood guard along the lane. “Look at those oaks. That shade of green carries on for miles. The grass is as thick as a carpet, and the daisies smell wonderful.”
Jane laughed and touched her sister’s arm. “While I agree, I tend to notice only the flowers Mrs. Hill brings into the house. My thoughts are drawn elsewhere these days.”
Elizabeth arched a brow. “Does this preoccupation have something to do with our newest neighbor?”
Jane looked away, a hesitant smile on her lips.
“I could not help but notice Mr. Bingley watching you at the assembly,” Elizabeth continued. “It was clear to everyone that you were watching him, too.”
“Your imagination is leading you astray. He was polite, nothing more.”
“Yes,” Elizabeth said, her smile widening, “until Sir William introduced you. After that, he forgot anyone else existed.”
Jane sighed. “He spent no more time with me than courtesy required.”
Elizabeth gave a quiet laugh. “If you insist on pretending. I suppose he also danced with the others only out of pity?”
Jane stopped in the middle of the lane, her hands on her hips. “I am more interested in the attention his handsome friend paid you. More than one person remarked on it.”
“Meryton’s gossips see romance in every glance,” Elizabeth said, tossing her head. “That man called me tolerable at best. I doubt he meant it as a compliment.”
Jane’s lips twitched. “And yet you seem determined to deny what everyone else saw.”
Elizabeth lifted her chin. “According to you, he has gone home. Any interest he felt will not endure.” She let her gaze drift back to Jane. “But what of you? Poor Mr. Bingley has no doubt spent the week inventing excuses to call on Papa, just to see you again.”
“You place too much importance on a single introduction,” Jane said gently. “I have no claim on the man.”
Elizabeth laughed. “I would love to see the world through your eyes, if only for an hour. Only you would mistake such devotion for mere politeness.”
“Nonsense,” Jane replied, her smile widening. “He was acting the part of a gentleman, nothing more.”
“If you insist,” Elizabeth said with a grin, then pointed at their youngest sister. “We can finish this later. Meryton is just ahead, and unless I catch Lydia, any trace of sense will disappear the instant she spots a man in uniform.”