24. Chapter 22: She sets about her work

Ch 22: She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.*

The sun had turned the sky a fiery red-orange. Ordinarily, Mr. Bennet would have allowed himself to enjoy the blazing sunset; but tonight, his daughters' worrisome absence denied him that simple pleasure. They should not be out alone so close to dark. Anxiously, he paced the floor of his study, his heavy footfalls muffled by the faded carpet. Finally, as the deep blue-violets of night began to overtake the glowing reds, he heard the front door open, and the sweet voices of his girls filtered through his study door. Thank Heaven!

When he appeared in the foyer, his daughters were startled. The look of anxiety on his face only increased their surprise. "What has kept you so long! Surely you know better than to stay out so near nightfall," he admonished in a most severe tone.

"I am sorry, Papa," Lizzy immediately apologized, an honestly repentant look in her eyes. He looks so worried! I cannot remember him looking so taxed before. "We had so much to do in town, the time truly got away from us. When we realized how late it had become, we returned as quickly as we could. We nearly ran the last mile!" She laughed remorsefully, pushing stray hairs from her face as if to make her point.

Oh my child, I have never been able to stay cross with you. He shook his head gently, his tone softening. "I see you have been to the library. I do not believe I have ever seen you come home so heavily laden. Come, let me see what you have selected to pass the days while your old father is away." He held out his arms expectantly.

Blushing, the girls glanced hesitantly at one another.

Noting their reluctance, he frowned. What could they have selected that they are unwilling to show me? "Girls," he admonished.

Slowly, Lizzy handed over the volumes in her arms. Her father's eyes grew wide as he read the titles. "Mrs. Chapone's 'Letters to the Improvement of the Mind?' Mrs. Rundell's 'A New System of Domestic Cookery?'" He waved at Jane to hand over her burdens. "'A Household of Economy?' 'A Lady's Manual of Household Accounts?'"

Mary and Kitty shrunk back, seeing his brow crease deeply. They cringed as they surrendered their tomes. "'Herbs of England and Recipes for the use Thereof?' 'The Care and Maintenance of Poultry?' 'A Gentlewoman's Guide to Dairy…?'" His voice trailed off as his throat closed. Wordlessly, he returned the books.

"Papa?" Jane finally asked, her voice timid. I did not expect this to upset him so.

His eyes became bright as he pressed his lips together hard. Although he tried to blink them back, silent tears flowed down his lined face. He swallowed hard as he struggled for words.

Kitty gasped nervously, clutching at Mary's hand. I have never seen him like this! Is he angry? Have we done something wrong? Surely Lizzy would not encourage us to do something untoward.

Mr. Bennet's stupor broke, seeing his younger girls' intimidation. "Girls…" his voice cracked again as he opened his arms and drew all four of them into his embrace at once. "I am so proud of you," he whispered hoarsely.

Jane felt the tears prickle her eyes, but Kitty wept openly at her father's praise.

Mary hugged him fiercely, unnerved by his uncharacteristic display. I have never heard him say that before.

"Thank you, Papa," Lizzy finally spoke, her voice very soft. "You will not regret trusting us as you have."

"My girls," he murmured, laying his hand gently on her face. He smiled at her through misty eyes. Sighing deeply, he soaked in his girls' warmth, his mind whirling. I believed them capable, for sure, but already they have exceeded my expectations. I can hardly think what I will find when I return. "I do believe it is time for dinner. Perhaps you can tell me more of your outing over our repast."

Disengaging themselves, the girls set the library's offerings on the hall table and followed him into the dining room.

"Was Lydia able to depart on time, or was Colonel Forster kept waiting as we feared?" Jane asked, sipping her soup daintily. I can only imagine the scene after we left. I am so glad Lizzy dragged me away, else I would have spent the morning repacking her trunks.

Rolling his eyes and laughing under his breath, he pinched the bridge of his nose. "That she did." He paused to sample his soup. "Just in time, though. I might add, no thanks to her jealous and unfeeling older sisters who refused to assist her as any proper feeling siblings would do." His carefully neutral voice did not betray any reaction to the reported exchange, although the look in his eye was mischievous as he looked up over his soup spoon.

"But Papa! That is not fair!" Kitty immediately protested dropping her spoon noisily. "Do you realize that she…"

A wry smile lifted Lizzy's lips as she reached out a calming hand toward Kitty. "Be still, dear. I fear our good father is seeing if he can befriend your 'poor nerves' as he has our mother's all these years."

Jane and Mary choked back giggles as Kitty's eyes widened in astonishment. She tried to speak for a moment, but gave up when no words would come forth. Instead, she began to laugh, opening the flood gates for her sisters. Their laughter soon filled the room.

"So, surely you did more in town than visit the library?" Mr. Bennet reached for a platter of roast meat. "Somehow I do not believe you spent your time with the dressmaker or milliner this afternoon."

"No, sir, we did not," Mary quietly offered. "We went to speak with the merchants…"

"To learn their wares…" Kitty added excitedly.

"And their prices," Mary continued, helping herself to a bowl of potatoes.

"Truly? How singular," he remarked, pursing his lips as he cut his meat. How they have embraced the task I have set before them. I am astonished. I must find a way to draw Fanny from her chambers to see what they are doing. She should really see how they have risen to the day. To think Melissa and Percy were trying to bully her into giving the girls to them to raise as 'proper gentlewomen.' As if that shrew knew anything about the proper character for a young lady of good breeding. They both may have been tradesman's daughters, but my Fanny has always been more of a lady. If only the fear of the bloody entail had not stolen her joy from her. But her girls are doing her proud. Look at them now, proper ladies all of them.

Jane and Lizzy exchanged mischievous grins. Their father raised a shaggy brow their direction, asking a silent question.

"Oh, Papa!" Jane exclaimed, laughing, unable to hold herself back, "You should have seen Lizzy! She had the two dry goods merchants ready to come to blows with each other in the middle of the street!"

Unable to retain his composure, he began to choke, coughing until his eyes watered. Finally he sputtered, "Well, since neither has come to my door, I know they were not fighting over her hand." He wiped his eyes roughly with his napkin.

Lizzy gasped as the others laughed harder. Her hands flew to her hips. "Father, how could you? I was not flirting with the merchants! I am not…"

"Oh no, my dear! I would never accuse you of flirting, much to your poor mother's dismay." His eyes twinkled merrily as he baited his daughter. "I believe she has been trying to have you refine that particular skill for several years now. I seem to recall several memorable lectures she has delivered on that very topic, none of which I remember you being terribly receptive of."

Sighing heavily, Lizzy rolled her eyes and shook her head. With an affected frown, she shrugged and turned her attention back to her plate, causing more laughter from her sisters.

"So, go on with your tale." He turned back to Jane with a wry smile. Warmly, he glanced back at Lizzy. Yes, my dear, it is your turn today to be the brunt of the tease. I need to make sure you can laugh at your own habits as easily as you can laugh at the foibles of others. If you cannot, you will grow bitter and cold in time.

Jane raised a brow toward the younger sisters who gleefully rose to the challenge. Mary and Kitty shared mischievous grins. "Lizzy went to the first shop to inquire after the cost of sugar, tea and coffee." Mary's eyes sparkled.

"He would not give her an answer! Can you believe that? He told her Hill had patronized his shop for many years, and that our housekeeper was a competent and trustworthy woman, there was no reason to begin to question her judgment now."

"You should have seen the look on your face, Lizzy." Jane's blue eyes twinkled as she fought to control her laughter." You were the very picture of righteous outrage. I cannot believe that he did not fall over dead just from the way you looked at him."

"She did not even deign to speak to him further!" Mary snickered, reaching for a roll.

"She just spun on her heel and stalked out of the shop, leaving us all to scurry after her like little ducklings." Kitty bit her lower lip, grinning.

"And we all just fell into step behind her! There was little else for us to do!" Jane brushed the mirth-filled tears from her cheeks. "We followed mama-duck directly across the street to talk to the other shop keeper."

"Who was quick to give me the answers I requested, I might add." Lizzy looked up and crossed her arms firmly as she met her father's eye steadily. "In fact, he offered a very good price if we would consider switching our patronage to his shop."

"At just that moment, the first shop keeper stormed in, declaring that Lizzy had led us away too soon, and that he had meant no offense, but rather to compliment the staff of Longbourn," Jane continued with a smirk toward her sister. "But Lizzy would have none of it. She dismissed him like an unwanted suitor, refusing to hear him at all."

"So he became angry…"

"And they threw him out…"

"So he yelled from the street…"

"And the shop assistant followed him out to try and silence him…"

"But the young man could not…"

"So his father followed him out!"

Mary and Kitty gasped and laughed as they finished each other's sentences. Lizzy looked from one sister to the other in exasperation. "It was not nearly so exciting as that, Papa. Mr. Nash just went out to try and calm Mr. Sterling…"

"They nearly came to blows!" Kitty blurted out. "Mr. Sterling accused Mr. Nash of trying to steal away our patronage from his shop, and Mr. Nash shouted back that there was no law against competition! Then Mr. Sterling struck…"

"No, he just pushed Mr. Nash. He did not hit him," Mary gently corrected. "But then the Regiment paraded through at that point and effectively broke off their…interaction."

"My word!" Mr. Bennet exclaimed. All of Meryton must know by now that the girls have taken on the management at Longbourn. I can only imagine what Mrs. Phillips is saying. Well, there's nothing to be done now, I suppose.

"But you should see the price she negotiated on our tea, coffee, and sugar for the next month!" Jane finished with a flourish.

"Perhaps I should be bringing you with me, my dear," Mr. Bennet murmured under his breath, sipping his water.

A somber expression fell over Lizzy's face. "May I ask, what is your business in Kent?"

"No, you may not," he replied firmly, but not unkindly. I do not wish to raise your hopes only to have something steal that away from you. I do not want to disappoint you. "Perhaps, when I return, we will talk."

Although crestfallen, Lizzy did not press the point. However, the light mood they had just enjoyed seemed to evaporate under his heaviness.

Finally Jane broke the uncomfortable silence. "We saw Aunt Phillips for a few minutes. She inquired after Mama."

A decidedly displeased look crept over his face. With a stern look in his eyes, he turned to his eldest daughters. "Jane, Lizzy, while I am gone, I charge you both with making sure that your aunt is not left alone with your mother at all. If she does visit, she may only do so in your presence, and if she says anything even remotely upsetting to your mother, you are to escort her out and not allow her admission into Longbourn whilst I am gone again.

"In fact, the same is true for any visitor, if your mother is even up to receiving any of them. Your mother's nerves have gotten the best of her for now, and she needs peace and rest more than company right now. I will not jeopardize her recovery with any guests that may further upset her."

Kitty and Mary just stared wide-eyed at their father.

"We understand," Jane and Elizabeth replied together, nodding seriously.

Grimly, Mr. Bennet frowned. His eyes flickered away from his daughters for a moment and he exhaled heavily. "I will be here to escort you all to church tomorrow, then on Monday I will leave with your Uncle Phillips."

"So quickly?" Jane asked, alarmed.It will be so strange not having you home with us.

"I am afraid it must be so. I fear this business may take some time, and it must be carefully handled. I need to be back for farm affairs in a month or so, so I must take advantage of the lull time I have right now." He sighed heavily. I hate to leave them; I wonder if they understand that. "But now, no long faces. We should enjoy this delightful pie that cook has offered us." Without further pause, he began to serve the pastry. "So then, tell me what happened after the regiment passed?"

The church bells rang loudly as the Bennet family filed into their family pew. The elder girls were acutely aware of the emptiness of the nearby row usually filled by the Netherfield family. They shared an uneasy glance, but their moment of uncomfortable reflection was broken by the Lucas family's arrival.

"Lizzy, Jane!" Charlotte cried warmly. "I am so glad to see you both." She clasped the older sisters' hands warmly. "Mary! I have just been bursting to tell you, Mama went back to visit the Blacks yesterday. Mrs. Black is still weak, of course, but she is much better than the day we called upon her. Her mother said she no longer fears for her daughter's life!"

"That is indeed welcome news!" Mary beamed. "I have wondered how she fared since we were there."

"Well, you can be sure that both Mrs. Black and her mother were most charmed by the Bennet sisters! It seems you both have an appeal that is quite desirable in the sick room." Charlotte hunched over like the old woman they had met and affected her accent, "They wuz jes' lov'ly ladies, ya know. Not too cheery ta' bring a heart to fear fo' its life, not so somber dat ya t'ink yaself already ded. Jes' like a ray o' sun." She smiled so much like the anxious grandmother that they all laughed heartily.

At least not all our neighbors think us shocking! Lizzy bit her tongue to keep from voicing her thought. What an odd look in your eyes, Charlotte. Oh dear, I fear that you heard too much about the Bennet sisters and too little about your own kindness and gentle spirit.

"I was so intrigued by your mother's herbs that I took a book of herbal recipes from the library," Mary added excitedly.

"If you are truly interested in such things, I know my mother would like nothing more than to pass her lore on to you. Neither Maria nor I have a head for such things."

Maria giggled, nodding. "She gets so cross with me–I cannot tell one leaf from another! They are all green, are they not? How much difference can there be among them?"

"Good morning, girls." Lady Lucas smiled as she pressed in to accommodate her sons between herself and Sir William. "I see Mrs. Bennet is not here this morning."

"No, I am afraid not," Jane replied carefully. "She is feeling quite poorly this morning and could not leave her chambers."

"Well, I am sorry to hear that. Should I call this afternoon?" Deep concern filled her hazel eyes.

"Thank you so much, Lady Lucas," Lizzy cut in. "But my father prepares for a journey tomorrow, and I do not believe that Mama will be well enough for callers amidst such excitement."

"Of course, I quite understand, dear," Lady Lucas reached out to squeeze Lizzy's arm. "Perhaps tomorrow or the next day, then." I do so hope she will be willing to receive me. I have known her far to long not to be able to guess at what has happened. You have such a tender heart, Fanny Bennet, I only wish you were not so easily wounded.

The girls' response was cut short by the beginning of the service. They smiled to each other as they listened to the curate read the banns. His clear strong voice filled the stone building with resounding warmth.

Maria leaned forward to whisper in Kitty's ear. "Does not Mr. Pierce have the most wonderful voice?"

Kitty nodded, not taking her eyes from the young parson at the front of the church.

"I am ever so glad the vicar left, and Mr. Pierce took his place. I would much rather listen to him!"

Kitty nodded again, leaning back to whisper, "But do you not think it strange that he writes so many of his own sermons? He does not preach from the sermon books as the other vicar did."

"Hush!" Mary hissed a fierce rebuke. The younger girls settled back to listen.

"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. We find these words in the tenth verse of the thirty-first chapter of Proverbs." Robert Pierce lifted his head from his book to look out over his congregation. "If we read further, we see her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life."

Unbeknownst to Lizzy and Jane, their father looked at them, his eyes filled with warmth. They deserve men who will value them more highly than rubies. But where are such men to be found? He sighed softly.

Lizzy reached over to take her elder sister's hand, squeezing it affectionately. You are that woman of noble character, Jane, even if you deny it. Whoever is lucky enough to win your hand will lack for nothing. I just hope he is able to see that.

Charlotte looked wistfully at her friends before her. You both are so beautiful and so well thought of, regardless of how Lydia behaves. Despite your dowry, I believe you will make good matches. What chance do I have, being poor and plain, what does my character possibly matter?

"How confused our priorities have become." Mr. Pierce's brows furrowed seriously. "It seems the way of men now to search for a woman worth more than rubies, then hope later that she is of noble character."

*PR 31:17