Page 31 of Ashes and Understanding
“Oh, my nerves,” Mrs. Bennet whimpered, pressing a trembling hand to her temple. “I cannot bear it when she gets like this!”
Mrs. Gardiner exhaled through her nose. “Fanny, I believe it is time someone took Lydia in hand.”
Mrs. Bennet sniffled but gave a tearful nod of permission.
Lydia’s eyes widened. “What does that mean?”
“It means you are coming with me.”
Before Lydia could react, Mrs. Gardiner seized her firmly by the arm and marched her toward the door.
“MAMA!” Lydia wailed, kicking her feet uselessly as she was dragged along.
Mrs. Bennet whimpered into her handkerchief. Mr. Bennet leaned back in his chair, looking vaguely entertained.
The door swung shut behind them, muffling Lydia’s continued protests. The remaining family exchanged glances, waiting to hear what would happen next. It was all Elizabeth could do to keep herself from standing and cheering.
All was still and silent, and then—
SLAP!
A loud, unmistakable crack echoed through the hall.
Kitty’s mouth hung open. Jane paled. Mary adjusted her spectacles, as if questioning whether she had imagined the sound.
Mrs. Bennet let out a weak noise and promptly fanned herself.
For a long moment, no one spoke, then Kitty whispered, “Do you think she really…?”
Mr. Bennet cleared his throat. “Well,” he mused. “That is one way to handle things.”
The door opened, and Mrs. Gardiner re-entered the room alone, her expression entirely composed.
Lydia was nowhere in sight.
Mrs. Gardiner dusted off her hands. “Now then,” she said smoothly, as if nothing at all had happened. “If you all have finished eating, shall we adjourn to your drawing room, Fanny?”
Nodding mutely, Mrs. Bennet rose from her seat and lead the way for her family to the drawing room.
“I will fetch Benjamin,” Elizabeth said, eager for a moment to collect her thoughts—and perhaps have a private laugh at Lydia’s chastisement.
As she stepped into the hall, Hill appeared from the direction of the still room. “Oh, Miss Lizzy, a message arrived just now from Netherfield.”
“Ah, from Mrs. Nicholls about Mr. Darcy?”
“Yes, miss,” Hill said. “She says he would be grateful for any medicine we can spare… I was not entirely certain what that meant.”
Elizabeth’s lips parted in surprise. So, he truly had found relief from them. Somehow, she had half-expected him to ignore her suggestion altogether.
“That’s my fault, Hill,” Elizabeth apologized. “I gave some of Kitty’s herbs to Mr. Darcy last night when he was coughing at the assembly and told him we could provide more if he found them effective. I meant to tell you, but I had not found the time.”
“I see. Shall I send them, then?”
“Of course. Please see that a proper portion is dried and packaged, and I will write out the list of ingredients.” She paused, one foot on the stairs. “And if Mrs. Nicholls asks, assure her that there is plenty more should Mr. Darcy require it.”
Hill gave a knowing smile. “Very good, miss.”
With that settled, Elizabeth continued upstairs to the nursery, where Nurse sat knitting near the fireplace. “He’s just now stirring, Miss Lizzy. It is almost like he knew you were coming.”
