Page 21 of Ashes and Understanding
Elizabeth sighed, adjusting the folds of her shawl. “It is not a matter of sentiment alone, Mama. We are looking into what must be done legally.”
“Well, he certainly could not remain a foundling forever,” Mrs. Bennet declared. “And you certainly take on more than your fair share of mothering, Lizzy. You fret over him as if he were your own babe.”
Elizabeth opened her mouth to respond, but Jane laid a gentle hand on her arm. “You love him, Lizzy. That is all Mama means.”
Elizabeth nodded, looking out the carriage window at the rolling countryside illuminated by the moon. “Of course I do.”
“Well, I think it is all very silly,” Lydia grumbled, slumping in her seat. “If he cannot inherit, what is the point?”
“Not everything is about inheritance,” Jane said mildly.
Mary, never missing an opportunity, smirked. “Indeed, Lydia, some of us concern ourselves with duty and kindness, rather than who will inherit what.”
Lydia narrowed her eyes. “And some of us do not want to end up as old maids.”
“Some of us would rather be old maids than foolish wives.”
Jane sighed. “Let us not quarrel, please.”
Mrs. Bennet waved her handkerchief. “Yes, yes, enough of this nonsense. We are nearly there, and I will not have you ruining my evening. Netherfield has been let at last, and Mr. Bingley and his party will be there tonight! You must all be in your finest spirits.”
Elizabeth smiled faintly, though her mind was still half at Longbourn, listening for Benjamin’s soft whimpers.This assembly had better be worth it.
Upon arriving at the assembly hall, the Bennet ladies were greeted by Sir William, who served as master of ceremonies for the event. After making polite small talk for a few moments, they quickly dispersed throughout the room in search of their favorite companions—or, in Mary’s case, a seat in the corner with her book.
Elizabeth had just retrieved a glass of weak punch when she spotted Charlotte Lucas approaching with a knowing smile.
“I must say, Lizzy, I had my doubts that you would come tonight,” Charlotte teased.
Elizabeth sighed, shaking her head. “You and everyone else, it seems. I have been told by no fewer than three people that I must not allow myself to become a recluse.”
Charlotte chuckled. “And were they wrong?”
“Perhaps not,” Elizabeth admitted. “But I do not regret staying home these past weeks. There is nothing quite like the chaos of a babu to keep one occupied.”
“I imagine your days are not quite what they used to be.”
Elizabeth smiled, thinking of Benjamin’s chubby hands reaching for her in the mornings. “No, but I do not mind it.”
Charlotte arched a brow. “I always thought you would be the last of us to become so devoted to a baby.”
“As did I,” Elizabeth said with a laugh. “But Ben is… different.”
Charlotte tilted her head. “Because he needed you?”
Elizabeth hesitated, then nodded. “Yes. Because he needed me.”
Charlotte gave her a searching look but said nothing, sipping her own punch.
The musicians struck up a lively tune, and Elizabeth glanced around at the crowd beginning to arrange themselves for a dance. “And what of you? Have you enjoyed yourself thus far?”
Charlotte gave a wry smile. “Oh, exceedingly. My father has already assured me, twice, that we are all filled with ‘such capital enjoyment.’”
Elizabeth grinned. “And I suppose you agreed wholeheartedly?”
“Naturally.”
They both laughed, Charlotte’s more reserved than Elizabeth’s, before turning to observe the room.
