Page 90 of Colour My World
Elizabeth’s lips parted, but no reply came.
“Why does his defence weigh so heavily upon you?” he asked.
She hesitated. “Because I do not comprehend him.”
“Ah.” Bennet crossed the room and sat. He gestured for her to do the same. “I imagine that must be quite vexing for someone who prides herself on comprehension.”
Elizabeth sank into the chair opposite him. “I do understand people, Papa. I see their aires.”
“And yet?”
She pressed her fingers against her temple. “I cannot see his.”
Bennet leant forward. “Explain.”
“He insults me, disregards me, fixates on me, and then defends me. I cannot sketch his character. Each time I think I have, he shifts beyond knowing.”
“Why is that?”
“I do not know!” she snapped.
Bennet raised his eyebrows. She closed her eyes and inhaled.
“You ask as though there is some logical answer, Papa.”
“Is there not?”
“No!”
“Then tell me why his defence of you is so significant.”
Elizabeth turned to the fire, her jaw tight.
“Lizzy.”
His daughter swallowed.
“Elizabeth.”
She shook her head.
“We made a promise, my dear. All those years ago.”
She closed her eyes. “Complete honesty,” she whispered.
“Yes. Complete honesty.”
He waited. “What are you hiding?”
Elizabeth seemed to ignore him.
“What do you not want to admit?”
She clenched her jaw, refusing to answer.
Bennet leant back and folded his arms. “It must be quite something if it has left you at such a loss.”
“I—” Her voice faltered. She drew a breath. “When he defended me,” she said slowly, “hisaireappeared.”
