The Other Bennet Sister

by Janice Hadlow

Seriousness seemed the only mood a plain girl might adopt without exposing herself to the scorn or pity of others.

She could not recall a time when reading had not been both a comfort and a refuge.

But in truth, I don’t think you see yourself at all clearly, miss. Your sisters get in the way. A daffodil seems quite ordinary when planted between lilies. But looked at without them, it has its own kind of beauty.”