Page 209 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“Do you think Papa would mind if I used some of them? Not the ones we particularly remember her wearing, but there are so many. I could cut them down for the younger girls.”

Mr. Bennet entered from the study and found his daughters gathered around the table.

Lydia looked at him. “Mrs. Dawson has five daughters, Papa, and the eldest has only one gown that fits her badly. I am giving her two of mine. I should like to use some of Mamma's gowns for the younger girls, if you do not object.”

Mr. Bennet looked at the gowns on the table before answering.

“I do not object.”

That evening, Lydia began taking apart the gowns she had chosen. Jane helped with the more difficult sewing, while Elizabeth and Mary took whatever work Lydia gave them.

Two days later, Lydia returned to the Dawson cottage with Mary and measured the girls. She came home with the measurements and spread her work across the table in Mamma’s favorite parlor, where her sewing basket still stood beside the window.

As Mary continued her visits, Lydia accompanied her. She became skilled at taking accurate measurements and matching them to gowns that could be altered to fit.

Lydia set aside the gowns that had been among her mother’s favorites and brought down those the sisters felt could be spared. Before long, lengths of muslin, cotton, and wool shared the parlor table with sewing baskets and folded garments.

The charitable work had begun.

* * *

Several days later, Mary and Lydia called at Lucas Lodge. Charlotte had heard something of their work from Elizabeth, and the subject arose soon after they were settled in the drawing room.

“I have five gowns I can give you,” Charlotte said. “They are perfectly serviceable, but I have more than I require.”

Maria Lucas said, “I have three that I have set aside for your charity work.”

The two Bennet sisters appeared pleased. Marcy said, “Thank you. There are several girls we have measured for whom we have nothing suitable.”

“You must let us help with the sewing,” Charlotte said. “If you will cut the gowns, Maria and I can undertake some of the simpler work. I confess my strength lies more in the kitchen than with a needle, but I can manage straight seams if you will set the sleeves and collars.”

Mary said, “There is more work than we anticipated. We have stopped visiting new families until we can meet the needs we have already identified.”

The drawing-room door opened, and Alexander Lucas entered.

After the introductions, Charlotte explained what the Bennet sisters had been doing among the poorer families. Alexander’s attention settled on Mary.

“You have undertaken a considerable task, Miss Mary.”

“Yes, sir, but it has been satisfying to be of some use.”

Charlotte folded another gown. “There is a family among Papa’s tenants who may benefit from this. The Marshalls have five daughters, and the younger ones make do with whatever their elder sisters have outgrown.”

“We will call on them,” Mary said.

“Miss Mary, I should like to help. Would you allow me to take you there tomorrow morning? My gig will be quicker than walking, though I am afraid there is room for only one passenger.”

“Thank you, Mr. Lucas. I should be very pleased to accompany you.”

* * *

When Alexander arrived at Longbourn the following morning, Mary was waiting.

He stepped down and offered his hand.

“Good morning, Miss Mary.”

“Good morning, Mr. Lucas.”