Jane and Elizabeth were nervous as they made their way to the study. Their father had called them, stating that he had a serious matter to discuss with them, and it was about their suitors.

Neither of the sisters had any idea of what he might want.

"Surely he wouldn't object to Mr Bingly and Mr Darcy, not at this late stage," said Jane. "The banns have already been read."

"I doubt that Father would do so," said Elizabeth. "Remember Jane, he wishes to peruse Mr Darcy's library. He might not object too much in fear of being barred from Pemberly by Mr Darcy."

Jane couldn't help the laughter that bubbled out of her. "Perhaps this is just another way for Father to tease us."

Thus reassured, the sisters were calm as they entered the library.

Mr Bennet was working on accounts when they entered, and he gestured them to take a seat to wait until he was done. It did not take long before Mr Bennet placed his pen back in the stand and set the account book aside.

He clasped his hands together, and said, "I wish to speak to you both of a matter of great importance."

The sisters exchanged another glance, now a little more worried. It was quite unlike their father to be so serious. "What is it Papa?" Elizabeth asked.

"You know that I take pride in being a gentleman," he began. "And thus a am exceedingly proud of the excellent education that I received at Oxford. I believe that there has never been, and never will be a finer institution."

"We know Papa," said Jane. She exchanged another look with Elizabeth, who shook her head slightly. Elizabeth had no idea why Father was bringing this up.

"Then, I find out to my dismay, that the suitors for my most sensible daughters were educated at Cambridge! I cannot believe that both of you could choose thus."

It took everything that Elizabeth had not to show her frustration. It was just a matter of masculine pride, one that Elizabeth doubted had any real significance. "Papa," she said. "Such things mean little. Jane and I are in love with our husbands, and we will be exceedingly happy. Will that not be enough?"

And Jane, in an uncharacteristic wickedness, said, "Just think of mother's nerves if anything were to happen that would impede the weddings Papa. It would distress her so!"

It seemed that Jane's words were enough for Mr Bennet. "It might not seem like a significant matter to you, my dear girls. Though I am sure that other gentlemen would understand better." He sighed. "I suppose that Mr Wickham was also educated at Cambridge?"

"You suppose correctly Papa," said Elizabeth.

"Hmph. As if I do not have reason enough to loath that man." He picked up another book that was lying next to him on the table. "I suppose that you girls must return to the wedding planning; there is a lot to do. And please inform Mary and Kitty that if they are to fall in love, it should be with Oxford men."

"Of course, Papa," said Jane, the corners of her mouth twisting up in an effort to contain her mirth.

She and Elizabeth left the room, leaving Mr Bennet to the privacy of his study once again.