No Indignity So Abhorrent by Jann Rowland

Author:Jann Rowland
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: One Good Sonnet
Published: 2023-08-27T22:00:00+00:00

Dinner the evening of the Netherfield ball was a quiet affair, but so it had been on almost every occasion they had taken dinner the past year. There was, however, one notable addition to their party, for just before dinner was served, Mrs. Bennet unexpectedly appeared at the door to the sitting-room, looking uncertainly over her family waiting there. To Elizabeth’s surprise and appreciation, her father filled the silence at once, and he made no comment using his infamous wit and sarcasm.

“Maggie,” said he, approaching and taking her hand, which she allowed with clear hesitation. “How good of you to join us.”

Though embarrassed at this show of regard from her husband, Mrs. Bennet allowed him to lead her into the room and to the chair she had always favored. Uncomfortable though she was, Mrs. Bennet looked at each of the members of her family before she looked away in embarrassment.

“Looking at the same four walls in my room has become tiresome.”

“As I can imagine it would,” replied her husband. “I hope we will see more of you in the future, for keeping to your own company at all times cannot be agreeable.”

Mrs. Bennet muttered something incomprehensible and looked to her daughters. “Are you all getting on well of late?”

“Tolerably,” said Mary. “I believe I have made great strides on the pianoforte, and Kitty has even taken an interest.”

Kitty appeared uncomfortable at the sight of her mother’s scrutiny.

“I thought I had heard playing less tutored than I was accustomed to. How do you like it, Kitty?”

While Kitty looked to Elizabeth and Mary for courage, she did not hesitate to respond. “I like it very well, Mama. But I do not think I shall ever play so well as Lizzy and Mary do.”

“That remains to be seen,” said Elizabeth with a fond look at her sister. “If you practice as we taught you, I suspect you shall play very well.”

“I suppose this is a hint that we should hire masters to tutor you,” said Mr. Bennet.

Not even Kitty misunderstood his dry humor, given the grin she directed at her father. “For the moment, I would not think it is necessary, Papa, for I have only just begun. But maybe Mary and Lizzy would appreciate the tutelage of a master.”

“I believe I shall decline,” quipped Elizabeth. “If Papa hires a master, then I must practice, and I am not of a mind to change my habits.”

The family laughed together at Elizabeth’s jest, even Mrs. Bennet, who did not appear to appreciate it much. It was a return of her family’s former, sometimes boisterous exchanges, though two of their number were missing. The hope Elizabeth felt that all might be well received further fuel from their banter.

“Mary, have you discovered any new interests?” asked Mrs. Bennet turning her attention to her middle child.

It appeared Mary was not accustomed to the attention, for her reply was long in the forming. “Not as such, Mama. But I am paying attention to other literature at Lizzy’s recommendation.”

“That is not the entire truth by half,” said Mr.

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