Page 90 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“Mary, in watching our mother speak to Lizzy, I see how unkind I have been to you and all my sisters. I apologize for what I said this morning. The insults were cruel and untrue,” Kitty said.
“Thank you. Would you and Lydia like to walk with me in the gardens?” Mary stood.
“I am not really as bold as Lizzy suggests, am I?” Lydia asked, taking Mary’s arm.
“Have you ever seen another carry on, hail gentlemen from across the street, laugh loudly for attention, or run around like they are five?”
“I suppose you mean Aunt Madeline’s small children act with more decorum.”
“It will take a great effort to correct your behavior, Lydia, but I have yet to meet young ladies more determined than are my sisters. Our father declares us to be the silliest girls in England when he speaks to our neighbors, even to strangers. I have made a great effort to change his opinion, but he has not changed his opinion of me. I, too, must continue to improve. Let us apply to Jane and Elizabeth and follow their example,” Mary said, leading her younger sisters from the room.
As they left, it was impossible to avoid overhearing the words of their parents spoken in anger.
“How dare you insult Mr. Darcy. And in front of his sister? You drove Jane’s Mr. Bingley off, Mr. Bennet. Badly done.”
“Am I mistaken, or did you insult Elizabeth in front of the exalted Mr. Darcy?”
“You would not believe what that girl said to me just before our visitors entered.”
Mary shut the door to the drawing room. “I wonder, had they argued this way long ago, what might have changed?”
The sisters moved down the corridor to where Jane waited.
“It is more interesting to me that they think they still have something worth arguing for,” Elizabeth said, looking toward the room where their parents continued to berate one another.
“We can but hope. Our true concern must be for our sisters, Lizzy,” Jane said, curling her arm around Elizabeth’s.
Chapter 5
Georgiana and the Gentlemen Return to Netherfield Park
“I was wrong, Brother. I apologize,” Georgiana said when her brother walked into their private sitting room.
“You were not wrong, Ana. In truth, you are one of us who is, in every way, correct.” William sat next to her on the settee.
Georgiana leaned closer to rest her head against him. He wrapped his arm around her, and she was tucked into his side. Georgiana whispered, “Thank you,” though she was uncertain he had heard her. She wanted him to know how much she appreciated him. “I had thought the worst possible thing would be the loss of our parents, but what if our parents had treated us so?”
“They still have time,” he said, resting his cheek on the top of her head. “They know not how fortunate they are for those opportunities they have to make amends.”
“I should never have demanded you apologize. You were correct in that they are an unfit society.”
“Miss Bingley and I were wrong. I stand by my assertion that you are correct.”
“How can you say so?”
“I just met with Miss Bingley to let her know that she will never be my bride. Hearing Mrs. Bennet’s cutting remarks, I recognized a similarity to Miss Bingley. Mrs. Bennet did not even comprehend that she had insulted her daughter, testament to a habit. I wish such insults on no one, in particular not with such frequency as they expect it,” her brother said, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, reminiscent of their father.
“I would never forgive your wife should she insult your children in such a way. Miss Elizabeth, even after being so insulted, walked across the room to extend comfort to me. Should she marry, I cannot think she would ever address her own children in such a manner.”
“I, too, cannot imagine it of her. Her mother’s insult gives your warning every merit. I intend to apologize again. Miss Elizabeth does not consider herself beautiful. I can think of no one who, when spoken to in such a way, would care for another’s feelings. Could ignore the hurt such words must occasion to help another smile. Miss Elizabeth showed an uncommon character and thoughtfulness. You were correct to admonish me.”
“Though it resulted in a difficulty I did not intend, thank you for attending me. Please do not force me to admonish your actions again.”
“I cannot promise it. And I believe you have made our mother far prouder of you than I have done these last weeks and months, Ana. And your admonishment of my not sharing my thoughts or concerns with you? About Wickham, yes, but it includes so much more. In this way, I failed you. How can I expect you to discuss your thoughts with me when I have not shared any of my own? Your question about what I might have done had it been you who was insulted made me understand how unacceptable my own behavior has been. I am heartily ashamed of myself.”
“I understand there are things with which I cannot assist. And I understand I am unwise in the ways of estate management, but I want to, in some small way, ease your burdens.”
“I shall let you. We will add to your tasks when we are home. I will give you so many that you will beg for time to play the piano.”
