Chapter 6

Lizzy

Lizzy followed after her father, they had always been quite close so she knew that he liked his peace and quiet and that he was probably not dealing well with all the upheaval happening lately. They needed to talk, but she was not certain how open he would be to it and to the changes that they wanted to establish. It was also true that her father always preferred the path of least resistant and if Lizzy made it clear that they would keep insisting on the changes he might give in just to stop the argument. Lizzy opened the door without knocking and entered the library. Her father turned his head to see her enter.

"As I told Jane now is not the time Elizabeth, I desire some peace and quiet now. We will talk later."

"No father, we need to talk now."

"Lizzy–"

"We have been talking."

"We?"

"Jane, Kitty, Mary and me."

"All four of you? You and Jane I understand and Kitty and Mary don't have a sensible thought in their heads."

"That is not true father, and even if it had been true in the past, mother's death and everything else that has happened has matured them. They have started to see the world in a different way. They still have ways to go but I see potential there, they just need attention and encouragement. Jane and I are willing to provide it."

Her father looked at her with an expression she had never seen on his face before, she was not sure what it meant but she kept on talking.

"Jane and I have both been thinking of what has happened in this past weeks and the four of us talked it over and have come up with a plan."

"A plan for what?"

"To better our chances."

"My dear why should you need it? You and Jane are both beautiful, charming and clever girls, any man should be lucky to marry you."

"Yet neither of us are married. Recently Mr. Bingley who would have been a perfect match for Jane left and abandoned her. I do not know what are the reasons for certain, but I am sure he was encouraged by his sisters after the spectacle our family made of itself in the Netherfield ball. Between mama, Lydia, Kitty and Mary our family looked like fools."

"Harmless silliness Elizabeth."

"You find it harmless because you find it entertaining, you like mocking silly people, but what about us father? And you have spoken about Jane and my chances to marry, but what about your other three daughters? They won't be any less poor once you die."

"You should not worry so much my dear."

"Yes, I should! Why don't you? We are ALL your daughters and your responsibility as a father is to look in our best interest, yet you did not check Lydia and Kitty when they were acting foolish and ridiculous nor did you check our mother's behavior–"

"That is enough Elizabeth! I am your father and you will not speak to me like that."

"Then act like one! We already have a plan and are willing to do most of the work we just need your support. We have already decided so even without you we will still keep on planning and trying to work it out. So it's your choice father, join us, or keep fighting us every day. "

Her father looked at her in shock which then turned into defeat and resignation.

"All right Elizabeth, tell me this plan you have all come up with."

Lizzy felt the joy of victory and she sat down in a chair in front of her father and started to explain the plan.

Jane

Jane had watched Lizzy follow their father anxiously, and while she wished she could follow them she knew it was best that Lizzy talked to him alone. They had a close relationship and if anyone could get through to their father it was her. While Kitty and Mary retired to their rooms, Jane had remained in the sitting room to wait for Lizzy. A little under an hour later Lizzy joined her and sat by her side. She looked pleased but also a little sad.

"How did it go?"

"I was successful, it took a little time but he eventually agreed on our plans."

"I am glad, but I can also see that there is some sadness in your eyes."

"As you know I have always been close to father and it is hard to see the failures in those you love. I know he loves us I do, but how can he not put more effort or at least worry about our futures. He is already set, he has nothing to worry about except death. We are the one who will be without protection if he dies, yet he does not apply himself to help us. I had not wished to see it before but now..."

Knowing how hard that admission must have been for Lizzy Jane embraced her. The held on to each other, they had always been so close, loved each other so much and told each other everything. The week alone had given Jane some perspective in many things but one thing she was surer than ever was that she was lucky to have such a sister and that she would always be grateful for her. Lizzy had always been the more cynical of the two, the one that tried to protect her. Now she had awoken and Jane vowed they would protect each other and they would work as a team.

The next day Lizzy and Jane started to put their plan into motion. Their father informed Lydia that she was being removed from society. Lydia had screamed and ranted and it had doubled when their father told her that as punishment for her adventure the day before she was grounded for the remainder of their mourning period and she was only to leave the room for meals. When Lydia declared she would run away Mr. Bennet decided for once to take affirmative action and bolted her windows shut so she might not escape and locked her door. Only he, the housekeeper, Lizzy, and Jane would have the key to her room. Her screams could be heard the entire day. Jane did not feel pleasure in her misery but as she looked at Lizzy and Mary she could detect hints of joy in them. Lizzy and Jane had also gone through all the household accounts and that had taken them longer. What they had discovered after a few days was that their mother had really managed the money poorly. They didn't think that they would have any problems economizing without lowering their standard of living and save up enough to get a good governess.

Jane then wrote to her aunt Gardiner explaining their plan and also asking for her help in hiring the governess. A few days later an express from their aunt arrived expressing her pleasure and approval of their plan. It also mentioned that their uncle also wholeheartedly agreed with what they were planning. They both felt great relief to see that they were taking their future seriously and assured them that they had their full support.

During this time they also spent time with Kitty and Mary. They had decided that they would try to spend a few hours every day the four of them to talk. Their fears, uncertainties, what they had read or learned. Jane and also Lizzy were pleased to see how much Mary and Kitty wished to improve themselves. A new sisterly relationship started to develop between them. While Jane would always be closer to Lizzy the four of them started to create a bond that had not existed before. She had heard before that a death could either tear a family apart or bring them together, in this instance their mother's death had brought the four of them together.

Their father after his initial actions with Lydia went back into his library and only came out for meals, and while that was normal his silence was not. He seemed unhappy and would not even speak to Lizzy. Lizzy was the one that was taking his actions the hardest. He rarely spoke to Kitty or Mary so they were unaffected, and Jane had accepted her parents for who they were. Lizzy had been the one that had not wished to see the worst sides of their father and the distance and silence was painful for her. Jane hoped their father would eventually wise up and realize what he was doing before he lost his favorite daughter.

Two weeks after their sisterly talk a letter arrived from their aunt Gardiner telling them that she had found a governess for them that would arrive in a few days. Her name was Mrs. Taylor, she could play the piano, paint and could speak French. She was also not extremely expensive, their aunt and uncle had paid her for the first three months already as a gift to them so they didn't have to worry about the initial payment. Jane was extremely grateful to them, they were always a source of love and support. If only her own parents had been like them.

Knowing that Mrs. Taylor would arrive in a few days, Jane started to get ready for her arrival. In truth, she was a bit nervous. What would Mrs. Taylor think of them and their circumstances? Would she tell Jane that her plans would not work? That it was already too late to fix things. Whatever she said Jane would move forward, she would not give up and she hoped that Mrs. Taylor would be the help that Jane hoped she would be.