Darcy wrote a note to the Bingleys informing them of their arrival, and Jane sent around a note saying she would visit in the morning. When she arrived, Elizabeth hugged her sister and then whispered in her ear. You are expecting, dear sister?”
Jane smiled. “Lizzy, I am so happy. I am three months along; it is too early to make an announcement, but we are very hopeful.”
Lizzy took her sister's arm. “Come sit with me there in that corner where we can have some privacy.”
“Lizzy, I must tell you all my news. Alexander Lucas sailed for the West Indies in February. Lady Lucas is quite beside herself, for he has never been away from home save for his years at Cambridge.”
Elizabeth’s brows rose. “So he has gone. The last thing he said to me was that he must go away in order to learn how to treat women better. I believe his mother spoiled him, and a season of doing for himself, far away from her, will do him a world of good.”
Jane sighed. “Both Lady Lucas and Charlotte have been cold to me. I cannot account for it, unless they blame you for Alexander’s departure to the West Indies. And as for Charlotte, though she treats me very ill and will scarcely speak to me, I cannot help but pity her. She will be eight-and-twenty this year. I am keeping my eyes open for an eligible gentleman for her. She was our dearest friend for years.”
Elizabeth hesitated. “I confess I still feel resentment. Charlotte crowed over me when Alexander turned his attentions to Mary King. She told me she looked forward to calling me sister, and the moment Miss King became an heiress, she warned me away from him. It was so painful. I had thought she would take my side as the woman spurned.”
Jane pressed her sister’s hand. “Lizzy, you have married the love of your life. There is no need to carry resentment toward Charlotte or Alexander. Let it go.”
Elizabeth’s voice grew low. “Jane, will you also brush away Charlotte’s attempt to compromise Mr. Collins? Though it failed, both Mama and Mary have never forgiven her. They hold a deep grudge against Charlotte and her mother.”
Jane shook her head. “Lizzy, I am ready to set it all aside, for the sake of peace. Meryton is so small that harmony is essential; yet they have both been so cool. They do not speak to me and look away if we pass on the street. If we are in company, they offer the barest civility. They treat me very ill, though I had nothing todo with any of what has passed.” She paused. “Despite all, I wish there were something I could do for Charlotte. Until these past months, she was always kind to you and me.”
Elizabeth sighed. “Very well, Jane, I shall also look around me and see if I can discover an eligible suitor for our friend. And what of Miss King now that Alexander has left?”
“Her uncle came for her,” Jane said. “He lives in Scotland and is determined to keep a closer watch over his niece. He told Mary he had found a husband for her in the Highlands. Mama and I made a farewell visit in February. Miss King was very broken-hearted, and her aunt Talbot wrote to her uncle Allister, who came and carried her away.”
Elizabeth’s brow knit. “I feel sorry for Mary. I remember how I felt when Alexander turned away from me to court her. His attentions toward her were so very pointed. She must have suffered a grievous disappointment.”
Jane agreed. “Yes. We all believed they would be married by autumn.”
Elizabeth grimaced. “And Lydia? How is she doing in East Suffolk?”
Jane’s face grew grave. “She is very impenitent still. Papa visited her in Lowestoft, but he went alone. He thought Mama’s presence would be harmful. Lydia was rebellious and demanded to know why she might not go to dances and visit with soldiers. Papa reminded her that she was not yet sixteen, and as long as her attitude remained the same, she would stay in school. The headmistress recommends a stricter establishment, a school in Nottinghamshire. Papa has written to learn if they will accept her.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “It is the fault of both our parents. Mama spoiled her, and Papa was idle. Yet I am glad to hear he is at last taking responsibility. I dread to think what might become of Lydia if Mama had her way.”
Jane agreed.
Elizabeth then smiled. “As for me, I shall be closeted with a modiste for a fortnight. Fitzwilliam says I must be introduced to the ton. He will not allow me to remain hidden at Pemberley forever.”
Jane laughed. “We shall be in town until July as well. Charles is much liked, and now that Caroline is settled, his place is secure.”
Elizabeth tilted her head. “And Caroline? How is she doing?”
Jane rolled her eyes. “She is to be delivered in July. She writes to Louisa but will not forgive Charles. It makes no sense. He saved her by finding a husband for her, the very cousin she once loved. She knew her condition could not be concealed, yet now that she is safely married, she has begun her complaints again. Charles prays she will not make the poor man’s life miserable.”
Elizabeth chuckled. “Her husband should readThe Taming of the Shrew.Shakespeare may offer valuable instruction.”
Jane laughed, then grew serious. “Charles is considering the purchase of Netherfield. He loves the estate, and there are no faults with drainage or soil. The house is well-kept, and the neighbors are kind, that is, excepting Lady Lucas. Mamma has been on her best behavior. I think he will be happy there.”
“And you, Jane?”
“I love Hertfordshire. I have always preferred familiar faces to strangers. He has made an offer. We wait only for the owner’s reply.”
Jane glanced at her watch. “I must go. Charles is taking me to the theatre this evening. Will I see you there?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I do not have a gown fit to be seen in. Until we have new gowns, both Georgiana and I will remain indoors in hiding.” She giggled.
Jane laughed. “Very well, I shall return tomorrow and keep you company lest you fall into a decline. I know how quickly you become weary when you have nothing to do. Good night, dearest Lizzy.”
Chapter 61: The Countess of Matlock
