Page 96 of Roses from Pemberley
CHAPTER 42 Insolent Family
At dinner, Lydia felt put out that Kitty and Mary had abandoned her in favour of visiting the young ladies of Netherfield, and was very vocal in her disappointment.
“I just do not see why they could not eat here,” she complained. “Especially Kitty. I wanted to talk to her about all the things we’ve been doing in London.”
“Well, you may tell me about it,” said Jane, who appeared to feel sorry for her youngest sister.
For a while Lydia spoke again about the various items she had bought for her trousseau. When that subject was exhausted, Mrs. Bennet asked Wickham where his new regiment was stationed. She was surprised to find that it was so far.
“But Kitty may visit me,” said Lydia, “and I shall be able to introduce her to the men of the regiment.”
“Yes, perhaps,” said Mrs. Bennet without much enthusiasm.
“And we can always come down here for another visit,” continued Lydia.
“I am not certain of that, Lydia,” said Elizabeth, “for Mr. Wickham shall be busy with his new duties. And the trip may be rather costly.”
“Oh, but you can send us some money occasionally, can you not?” asked Lydia. “I am certain Mr. Darcy shall provide you with loads of it.”
Darcy looked at Elizabeth to see how she would respond.
It was difficult to read the expression on her face when she answered, “I believe your husband is now responsible for your upkeep, Lydia. While Mr. Darcy will only be responsible for mine.”
Lydia looked confused. “But what if he cannot afford to pay for our trips?”
It was Jane who answered, “It is simply a matter of economising, Lydia. You must see what your income is, then what your expenses are, and then attempt as best you can to make certain that the latter does not exceed the former.”
Darcy smiled. Jane Bennet was a great deal more practical than he had thought her to be.
“But I do not know anything about that,” said Lydia.
“But you can learn, Lydia,” said Mrs. Bennet. “I knowIhad to when I was first married. But if you like, I can teach you a little about it before you go.”
Lydia frowned. “Should we not have a little fun while we are here? Is that not the reason for our visit?”
“But we are in mourning,” said Jane gently. “And as such we cannot make social calls.”
“It is the reason we are all in black,” said Elizabeth looking steadily at Lydia. “And if I were you, I would take advantage of Mamma’s kind offer and learn as much as you can while you still have a chance.”
Lydia huffed and was about to respond when Wickham forestalled her.
“And is there anything new with our friends in Meryton?” he asked with an easy smile, changing the subject. “I always did enjoy calling on your aunt and her friends.”
“Ah, yes, Wickham,” said Lydia with a smile, “you were always a favourite with everyone hereabouts. Was he not, Mamma?”
“Yes, he was,” said Mrs. Bennet without inflection.
Darcy noted her use of the past tense and began to think that Mrs. Bennet was becoming more and more like her husband.
“But if we are able to come up with the money,” said Lydia some time later, “can we not at least visit you at Netherfield, Jane?”
Jane looked confused and turned to Bingley who cleared his throat and said, “We shall see, Mrs. Wickham.”
“And, Mr. Darcy, did you not say we could stay with you at Pemberley?”
Darcy shifted in his seat. “I actually commented that your husband might be too busy with his duties.”
Wickham smiled more broadly this time. “Well then, I am certain that I shall be able to get some time off. And as such, we shall consider ourselves invited to Pemberley.”
