"When one is constantly talking, one cannot be listening."
Dear reader, this enlightened concept was experienced in the early spring before Netherfield was let.
Mrs Bennet was happily chatting with her neighbors when she felt a tickle in her throat. The tickle remained constant and as evening arrived she was in severe pain. By morning, she was rasping and the apothecary was called.
Mr Jones arrived with poltices, and herbs for teas. He advised Mrs Bennet, to not talk or she will not heal properly. Of course, his diagnosis was incorrect, she knew better. So she sputtered and croaked until her voice was truly gone. Now all she could do was hear the voices around her. But we know, dear reader, that hearing is not listening and for change to occur more must transpire.
Two weeks after her initial bout, Mrs Bennet was in the parlor when her husband informed her that the horses would be needed on the farm and she must walk to town.
Mrs Bennet was so vexed that she rapped the table to get his attention.
"With all of the banging that is going on, my dear, I feel that you have missed your calling. You should be in France as a drummer leading the troops."
This was the first time she listened to her husband and it hurt. His disparaging and mocking hit home. He was displeased with her actions.
She had never noticed before. Could it be that he was unhappy with the way she was acting? She started to listen more closely.
A few days later she overheard her neighbors talking in town about her darling Lydia. Lydia's wild ways would cause censorship of the Bennet family if she was not checked. This could not be true. She was incensed. But at home, she listened to her youngest daughter's ignorant, vain, selfish comments and realized some truth could be found.
As her daily listening continued, the family and neighbors got used to her quiet ways and would forget that she was even there. Their remarks that she overheard and actions that she witnessed were appalling. Mary's playing at the pianoforte was not as pleasant as she once thought. Kitty's cough was extremely disconcerting and getting worse. Lydia's tantrums and lack of decorum was unsettling. The servants slightly condescending attitude as they reacted to her flutterings and heart palpitations was noticeable.Her sister, Mrs. Phillips, that she always tried to mimic, was loud and, at times, uncouth. Even the quietness and belief of goodness found in Jane was unbelievable. The only one of her daughters that could not be found with fault, except maybe the mud on her skirts, was Elizabeth. Could this be true? Mrs Bennet's natural curiosity was pricked. Not only did she listen but she also started to develop conjectures.
She found out that the natural decorum displayed in her older two daughters was not from her but from her sister in law, Mrs Gardiner. Mary's pious ways were due to feelings of low self esteem. Kitty never lead but always followed others. Lydia, well, she needed to go back to the schoolroom. Mrs Bennet realized that all would remain the same unless she created a plan for change.
She wrote a note to her sister in law, Mrs Gardiner to ask if Mary could have a summer of learning from masters in music. She would use her own pin money for the lessons. She also encouraged Mary to help Elizabeth and Jane with the tenants while she waited to go to London.
Another note to her husband, since she could not talk, requested that the youngest two girls go to school since she could not teach them. She would be happy to go without lace and frippery to help with expenses.
By the time summer had ended and autumn was in full display with Michaelmas looming ahead, the house was calm and happiness exuded. Mr Bennet sat in the parlor more. In fact, he started reading to them in the evenings from his beloved books so all were entertained. Mary, home from London, had increased in proficiency on the pianoforte so much that she happily gave lessons and pointers to Jane and Elizabeth. They were constantly laughing and playing together. The two youngest were regularly sending letters home and letting the family know how happy and content they were. Mrs Bennet was rubbing her tummy with the expectation of a special surprise next April.
The notice that Mr Bingley was bringing a large party to the assembly tomorrow night was received with a calm joy and a grateful heart. Even Mr Bennet said he would join them.
And so, dear reader, a happy ever after occurred much sooner than in a previous novel written by another lady. And Mrs Bennet learned that listening was much appreciated by all.