Page 107 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“Well, Fanny, we wondered how we might do just that, and here again our daughters plan ahead of us. Exercising a bit of decorum when we find ourselves in company with those in the first circles is far less of a challenge than marrying a daughter into them. A feat you already accomplished. What say you?Charlotte Lucas is a sensible girl. She will not be heedless of your position.”
After a period of silence, Mrs. Bennet said, “You suggest you do not like pink?”
“I despise it. And I like lace little more, though I accept an inlet as a necessity of propriety.”
“But the rest of my daughters must prefer it.”
“Not one, though if it is because you told the mantua-maker to make us gowns in that color, no matter our age or a natural aversion, I am uncertain.”
“And why did you not say something of your aversion?” Bennet asked, looking between mother and daughter.
“We did, but if it is not what she wants to hear, it is ignored. Again, not an intentional slight, Mother. You cannot deny that I have time and again said I prefer other colors, nor your refusal to accept my choices. You will find that what remains in their rooms are those gowns with the color in them. You, Father, often choose not to argue with our mother.”
“I am well aware I have not guided our family as I ought, Mary.”
“You are affronted when it is but an equating of our situations. Neither you nor we wished our mother to cause a scene before our friends and neighbors.”
A long period of silence fell between them. Mary sipped her sherry, her mother’s drink remained untouched, and her father had finished his whiskey. They sat in silence, waiting for Mrs. Bennet’s decision.
“It is unfair when you give everything to your children, yet they require more of you, require that you change to remain in their lives.”
“I suspect you speak true. However, it must also be said that most parents of the gentry act with more decorum, so they need not make such an effort. It is also true that if they were afamily of a minor country squire who might well be at the same table as an earl for a Christmas meal? It is probable they, too, would brush up on what is proper before such levels of society.”
“It seems you have given this a great deal of thought, Mary.”
“Jane and I had time to speak while their trunks were packed. I have waited here alone near two hours.”
“I had not even noticed you had left,” Mrs. Bennet said in diffidence.
“I think you have just exemplified our daughters’ concerns, my dear. A brush up on our manners before Christmas may be just what we need,” Mr. Bennet said, wincing at his wife’s admission, though, in looking at their daughter, it was evident Mary expected it.
Mary stared at her father, her eyes telling him she knew he, too, had not noted her absence.
“Yes, perhaps you are correct, Thomas. My brother said I should write our daughters. I shall write Jane tomorrow.”
“I would appreciate your oversight these first days I act in your stead, Mother. Good night.”
Mary excused herself for the night but did not move more than three feet beyond the door to hear her parents’ responses to the evenings’ revelations.
“I do not think it fair thatallour daughters have your strength of will, my dear. I have neither a white flag to raise nor a sword to lay down, but I hereby surrender. You may order me about until you have grandchildren. Which may well be quite soon. Ahead of Lady Lucas and Mrs. Long both.”
“Well, now, would not that show them I knew just what I was about?”
“Yes, my dear, it seems you did know just what you were about. Your success requires us to adjust our behavior withothers. I cannot blame you, for I understand you wished them well situated.”
“Oh, of course I did. So, is my success why I must change? That does not seem fair.”
“Perhaps you should have greater consideration, my dear Fanny. Your careless wishes have quite put us into a quandary.”
“Well, I did not mean to, Thomas. But now I suppose we must prepare for encounters with my son-in-law’s connections.”
“That is the spirit, dear girl.”
Mary warmed with satisfaction when she heard her father chuckle. And was pleased to hear her mother’s laugh join in. It was the first sign of accord in many days and gave Mary cause to hope for them all.
Chapter 13
Miss Bingley Sees the Camillas Out the Window
