Page 154 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“She appears to be enjoying herself.”

“That is precisely the difficulty,” Elizabeth said. “She thinks only of enjoying herself.”

“A failing she shares with a considerable portion of mankind.”

“Papa, please.”

Something in her voice made him look more closely at her.

Jane said, “She has become very familiar with gentlemen she hardly knows. Lizzy and I spoke to Mamma about it after we returned from Meryton, but she did not think there was any cause for concern.”

“Your mother and Lydia are of one mind upon many subjects.”

“But surely you must see there is cause for concern, sir?” Elizabeth asked.

“My dear Lizzy, Lydia is fifteen. She is foolish, loud, and excessively pleased whenever a gentleman in a red coat looks in her direction. None of this can be news to you.”

“That does not mean it should be permitted.”

“What would you have me do?”

“Set limits upon her behavior.”

“And what limits do you propose?”

Elizabeth had not expected the question. “For a beginning, she should not be allowed to spend every visit to Meryton seeking out officers.”

“I see. Shall I forbid Meryton altogether?”

“No. I did not say that.”

“Then perhaps you will provide me with a list of the officers she may speak to and the number of minutes she may devote to each.”

“Papa.”

Mr. Bennet chuckled.

Elizabeth did not smile.

His amusement faded a little.

“Lizzy, you are taking this far too seriously. Lydia will flirt, your mother will encourage her, and the officers will eventually go elsewhere. I see no reason to turn Longbourn upside down over it.”

“But something could happen that would ruin Lydia and bring disgrace upon us all.”

“Like what, my girl?”

Elizabeth could not answer him.

Jane came to her aid. “We only ask that you pay greater attention to her, Papa.”

“I have heard you both, Jane. Now go and enjoy the evening. Sir William is threatening me with whist, and I must prepare myself for the ordeal.”

He went into the card room.

Elizabeth stared after him.

Jane slipped her arm through hers. “Come, Lizzy.”