I’m planning to buy an old Ohio house, and I’d like you along from the start.

• The house, the dream, and why I can’t stop picturing the library
• A brand named after a very famous first draft
• One small thing I’m asking you to send me

Join the Second Impression Homes mailing list: https://worderella.com/retreat

Mr. Bennet gets all the quotable lines. Mr. Gardiner gets none of them — and does all the actual work. This week I'm making the case for the most underrated adult in Pride and Prejudice (and his wife), and what it means that Mary Bennet only gets to fall in love once she's finally living in their house instead of her own.

• Why the most important turning point in Lizzy's romance happens because of an uncle, not her father
• The real story behind who handled the Lydia-Wickham disaster (spoiler: not Mr. Bennet)
• What Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Gardiner reveal about the difference between loud devotion and real attention

Come tell me who your favorite quietly-competent side character is over in the Society of Kindred Spirits — I read every comment. For everything else, worderella.com/links

Reconsidering the "fun, sarcastic dad" of Pride and Prejudice — and why his charm might be covering for some serious neglect.

• Why being funnier than Mrs. Bennet isn't the same as being a good father
• What he saw coming with Lydia, and why he let it happen anyway
• A personal detour: discovering this book at nine, thanks to a dog in a tiny cravat

Discussion prompt: Too harsh on Mr. Bennet, or right on the money? Bring your citations to the Society of Kindred Spirits.

You can keep up with all my doings at http://worderella.com/links