The following week was filled with activities in preparation for Clara's official welcome as the mistress of the Lewin's household. Bennet instructed for the immediate movement of Clara's mother to a private health facility to ensure adequate diagnosis and treatment of her cancer which was discovered to still be at the acute stage.
The weekend at his home only strengthened his purpose, and reassured him that he was making the right decision. Isabella was difficult and demanding, and he saw with sharper clarity that the years of isolation at the mansion had made her far too precocious. Bethany was not good for her, unconsciously ingratiating herself with the child to establish a footing with the father. He tried comparing Bethany to Clara and smiled a little grimly. Clara was a perfect choice. She was smart, intelligent, tolerating and caring.
