Page 214 of What Change Entails

“So, Lizzy, you survived the north.”

“Derbyshire, Papa.”

“North enough for my purposes. Did you come back improved, humbled, frozen, or engaged?”

“Mr. Bennet!” Mrs. Bennet cried. “Do not say such things. Unless she is, of course. Lizzy? Are you?”

Elizabeth summoned a weak laugh. “No, Mama.”

Not yet.

The thought arrived without permission and stole the breath from her amusement.

Mr. Bennet’s brows raised a fraction. He noticed more than he admitted, and perhaps more than she wished. “Then we must be grateful for your safe return in any condition.”

Lydia had already seized Kitty by both hands. “Come upstairs. I must tell you about Miss Darcy and Horace and Miss Bingley’s face when—oh, no, that part must be done properly. Lizzy, may I tell Kitty about the mud?”

“Which mud?”

“All of it.”

Elizabeth removed her gloves. “I cannot stop you.”

“Excellent.”

Lydia and Kitty raced upstairs together, their voices already overlapping. As they went, Kitty wondered aloud whether Mrs. Forster had written of Mr. Wickham.

Lydia answered before anyone else could. “She has not, and I am grateful for it.”

Kitty stared.

“I once thought him the handsomest gentleman in England.” Lydia formed her words more carefully than necessary. “Now I think appearances are the least reliable recommendation imaginable.”

Kitty nodded slowly, then slipped her arm through Lydia’s.

“I am glad you came home.”

Lydia smiled.

“So am I.”

She had missed Kitty far more than she would ever have admitted before Derbyshire.

Kitty said nothing more.

Mary followed with an air of reluctant curiosity, saying something about the moral implications of travel upon female character. Mrs. Bennet sent Hill for tea, asked Elizabeth six questions without waiting for answers, and then hurried after Lydia to learn whether any officers had been encountered.

Elizabeth remained in the hall.

Mr. Bennet watched her.

“You are very quiet.”

“I am tired.”

“Travel often produces that effect. So does disappointment.”

Her fingers fiddled with the seams of her gloves.