Lizzy paced the hall outside her father's reading room as she prepared the words she would need to convince him to allow her and her sisters to spend the upcoming season in Brighton. Having not long been returned from her visit to Kent, and Jane her time in London, Lizzy knew she would need to approach Mr Bennet with considerable delicacy. Her father had little tolerance for the younger Bennet sisters, nor did he appear to have great tolerance for Mrs Bennet.
Upon many occasions had Mr Bennet appealed to Lizzy for her company, whether it be in debate of a topic, to play chess—a game in which Lizzy had demonstrated great proficiency—or to walk in the gardens. Without her presence, Lizzy feared Mr Bennet at great risk of loneliness.
It pained her to seek permission to spend more time away from Longbourn, but Papa had his books and his studies. Jane's need for peace and recovery was of greater importance. Surely he would agree to that.
She raised her hand to knock on the door, hesitated, then spun away ready to pace the length of the hall once more.
"For Heaven's sake, Elizabeth!" Papa's booming voice from behind the heavy door halted her steps. She held her breath. Papa's next words would indicate whether it was an opportune moment to raise the matter of Brighton. "Well don't just stand there, girl, come in and tell me what it is that has you punishing the hall carpet with your endless pacing."
Lizzy smiled as she returned to the door, this time opening the door without hesitation. As she stepped into the room, she relished in the smell of books, ink, and Scotch; scents that were distinctly Papa.
While he referred to the room as his reading room, in truth the room functioned as library, study and, in his own words, the only place in the entire house he could find peace from Mrs Bennet. He sat, not as she expected in the chair behind his great desk, but instead by the window which overlooked the gardens.
He gestured her over, his arms outstretched. Lizzy walked straight to him, accepting the comfort of his embrace. As his hold relaxed, she reached up to kiss his cheek and then took a step back.
"How are you, Lizzy? Are you well?"
"Yes, Papa. Quite well. And you? Have you been keeping well, Papa?"
Mr Bennet looked at his daughter over the top of the spectacles that sat low on his nose. "You have no fear of my demise any time soon, Lizzy. Longbourn is quite safe from the clutches of my cousin for the time being."
"That is pleasing to hear indeed, sir, but I assure you that was not why I asked—"
"Yes. I recognised well your attempt to divert my attention from the melancholy you have carried since your return from Kent."
"Sir, I—"
Mr Bennet held up his hands to halt his daughter's response. "Now Lizzy, I may not claim intelligence on the mannerisms of all your sisters, but I am well aware of the change in your behaviour. Tell me, have you walked the gardens since your return?"
Lizzy looked to her feet. She should have known that, despite his outward appearance of disinterest, Papa would be the one to notice the change in her demeanor.
"The weather has not been so kind as to present opportunity for a walk through the gardens, or elsewhere, sir."
Mr Bennet laughed. "Oh Elizabeth, that sentiment alone is enough to tell me you are not yourself. For when has a little mud on your hems prevented you from enjoying the outdoors?"
"As you well know, sir, muddied hems are most unbecoming of a lady."
Again Mr Bennet responded with a laugh. Lizzy bristled at his reaction, but held her tongue. "What need have you to concern yourself of the actions of a lady when you have such spirit, dear Lizzy. Why even that fool cousin of mine was unable to deny your allure."
He turned to look out of the window. "No, Lizzy. You shall have your pick of suitors, muddied hems or nay. I only pray that when the gentleman who wins your heart comes calling, he has strength enough to accept your spirit rather than breaking it."
"I do not believe such a man exists, Papa, but I shall do my best to find him."
"I know you will, Lizzy." Releasing a sigh, Mr Bennet gestured to the chairs that sat before the fire in the corner of the room. "Now, shall we sit while we discuss whatever proposal it is your sisters have petitioned you to bring before me? Hmm?"
Lizzy's cheeks heated. Her sisters foolishly believed Papa remained oblivious to their lives and machinations, but frequently he proved otherwise.
She followed him to the seating area, noting the chess board that sat neglected between them. Mr Bennet followed her gaze.
"Perhaps you would like to make your next play while we discuss your sisters."
Lizzy looked from the board up to her father. Noting the mischievous glint in his eye, she focussed her attention back to the game. She hovered her hand over a piece but hesitated. Tilting her head, she viewed the game from a different angle, and again hovered her hand above a different piece.
"You usually play with more confident than this, Lizzy. Though it has been some time since you visited me. Perhaps you are out of practice?"
Lizzy smiled as she settled on her move. "It indeed has been too long since we last played this game, Papa, but I had opportunity to practice against Mr Darcy during Jane's convalescence at Netherfield. I am not so out of practice as you might think."
Mr Bennet perused the board. No doubt he had decided his move already, but he was not a man to act in haste; often reviewing a situation many times before finalising decision. So very unlike Mr Darcy who played with an air of swift confidence. Indeed, Mr Darcy himself had made mention of his unwillingness to change his mind once decided.
Lizzy shook her head, as though the action would remove the thoughts her traitorous mind had allowed. From experience she knew it would only be effective for a short time. Memories of her time spent with Mr Darcy had been infiltrating her thoughts with increased frequency of late. Most frustrating was the nature of the memories—always the pleasant encounters.
It took effort for Lizzy to remind herself of the swift judgement and harsh manner in which Darcy had treated Jane and his dismissal of her family. That fact alone reignited her fury against the prideful man.
Mr Bennet sat back in his chair have not moved a piece on the board. He rested his hands on the arms of his chair. "How is Jane?"
"She retains her composure, but Papa, I believe she is quite miserable."
"I believe so too. And what can be done to lift her misery?"
Lizzy twisted her fingers together in her lap, as she found the words she needed. "Well, Papa, Lydia has been invited by Colonel Forster's wife to travel with them to Brighton where the Militia will be stationed for the coming months."
"I am aware. Colonel Forster spoke to me earlier regarding the matter. He is concerned for his young wife being alone in a new location. He claims she has great fondness for our Lydia, and believes Lydia's company would bring comfort to his wife."
Lizzy waited without speaking. She knew Mr Bennet liked to ponder his word choices as thoroughly as his chess moves.
"I commend the man for giving thought to his wife's comfort."
This time when he paused Lizzy could not help but to prompt him to continue. "But—"
"But I do not believe Lydia sensible enough to travel to Brighton alone."
"Papa—"
Mr Bennet held up his hand and Lizzy squeezed her lips tight, silencing her words of protest.
"I do not believe her sensible enough to travel alone, however I do believe the sea air would be of benefit to Jane. And even to you, Lizzy. As such, I have already written to my cousin Lady Harriet Hunsley, who resides in Brighton, with her husband. He is a banker, I believe, and quite successful in his trade."
Lizzy could not stifle her gasp of surprise. "We have cousins in Brighton, Papa?"
Mr Bennet nodded his confirmation. "Harriet and I were quite close as children. Unfortunately she did not agree with my decision to marry your mother."
Lizzy raised her eyebrows.
Mr Bennet merely sighed. "Once aggrieved, women born of Bennet blood are prone to maintain their injury; perceived or otherwise."
Though her cheeks heated at her father's insinuation, Lizzy could not allow the story to end untold. It was a rare occasion that Mr Bennet relived tales of his childhood. "Pray tell, Papa, how did your marriage to Mama so greatly aggrieve Lady Hunsley?"
Mr Bennet waved his hand dismissively. "It was nothing of great consequence. Before meeting your mother, Harriet held great plans to match me with her good friend—Eleanor, I believe was her name. Eleanor was a highly intelligent girl. Quite the blue-stocking, she spent much of her time reading, and formed educated opinion on a great many topics. I enjoyed our conversations immensely. Alas, your mother's great beauty stole my attention. My cousin believed I wronged her friend by raising her expectations, only to marry your mother instead."
Her anger towards Mr Darcy and his involvement in Mr Bingley dismissing Jane popped into Lizzy's mind. "I believe I should like to meet this cousin, Papa."
Mr Bennet smiled. "Then it is fortunate she has replied to my correspondence and has invited yourself, Jane and Lydia to spend the season with her. Lydia shall travel with you and stay with our cousin, where she can be kept under guidance. She will still be available to visit with Colonel Forster's wife as they see fit."
"And what of Kitty? Shall she be allowed to come?"
Mr Bennet shook his head. "Kitty will remain here with Mary. I do not believe I would survive your mother's nerves were you all five to be away at once."
"Poor Kitty. She will be so disappointed."
"I'm certain the disappointment will fade. There will be many opportunities in Kitty's future for her to travel. I do believe time spent apart from Lydia will be of great benefit to the girl."
Lizzy nodded, though she did not look forward to sharing their father's decision with her younger sister.
"Now, was that all you wished to discuss?"
Lizzy stood. "Yes, Papa. Thank you."
Mr Bennet rose to his feet and once more opened his arms to embrace her. As he held her close, he spoke in quiet tones. "Remember Elizabeth, forever is a long time to spend with another soul. Believe me when I say, looks and physical attraction are no match for wit and intellect."
Again feeling heat rise along her neck to her cheeks at her father's disclosure, Lizzy nodded. "Yes, Papa."
"Good. Now go. Tell your sisters the good news. I am sure there will be need to plan gowns and bonnets and such for the trip."
"I believe you are right, sir." Lizzy bowed her head again, deeper this time. "Thank you, Papa." She smiled and, for the first time since her return to Longbourn, her expression matched her emotion. Jane was right. A new adventure was exactly what she needed to raise her spirits.
