Jane shed no tears. The longer she spoke, the steadier her voice became.
"Jane, what happened? What did those spiteful women say? Whatever it was, you must not believe it." Elizabeth glanced at her father's book room door. It was firmly closed, and she could only suppose he had avoided all the turmoil by staying inside, ignorant of his daughter's suffering.
Pulling her hands free of Lydia's grasp, Jane clasped her fingers in her lap. "Do not call them that, Lizzy. They only spoke the truth, and they should not be criticized for it."
Lydia huffed. "How can you say such a thing? They clearly came with the intention to crush your hopes! Did you not see how they gloated over your disappointment? I have never been more tempted to toss my tea down another lady's bodice! They sat there looking so smug and satisfied."
Jane regarded Lydia. "I am glad you restrained yourself."
Lydia grumbled. "I shall not be so restrained next time."
"You will do no such thing."
Elizabeth simmered with impatience. "What happened?!"
Jane met her gaze evenly, her voice soft, "They told us that Mr. Bingley is intended for Miss Darcy."
Elizabeth scoffed. She did not believe that lie for a second. "Surely that is what Mr. Bingley’s sisters wish. An attachment to the Darcys would elevate them in society. It is wishful thinking, Jane. Nothing more."
Jane twisted her fingers. "Surely you have noticed Miss Darcy's attachment."
"A childish infatuation!"
"Mr. Bingley does not call as often as he did before she arrived."
"Neither do you encourage him to!”
“I refuse to be the means by which an impressionable young lady is disappointed. I could not be so cruel to Miss Darcy.”
“Like you, Mr. Bingley is modest and does not wish to hurt his friend's little sister."
Lydia blurted, "Mr. Darcy himself encourages the match."
"Lydia!" Jane hissed.
Ignoring her, Lydia continued, "He was the one who arranged for Mr. Bingley to let Netherfield Park with the aim of advising and guiding him in order to secure a match with Miss Darcy."
Jane's lips pinched. "That was not for you to say. We do not know for a certainty that it is true."
Elizabeth laughed. "That could hardly be true! Miss Bingley is delusional in her pretensions."
Lydia lifted her chin. "I asked Mr. Darcy just now. He could have denied it, but he did not."
Elizabeth bit back her retort. He had not denied it.
Jane interrupted, "Lydia, if you cannot keep malicious gossip to yourself, then you would do best to hold your tongue."
"But it is not gossip! This was not passed on from footman to stable boy to maid. Miss Bingley heard it directly from Mr. Darcy. When I asked him directly, he did not deny it."
Elizabeth could not believe it. A union between Miss Darcy and a gentleman whose fortune came from trade? Preposterous! Of course, Mr. Darcy had been good friends with Mr. Bingley for years, but that did not signify he held such a hope.
Did it? Fitzwilliam had asked if Elizabeth thought that Mr. Bingley would make Jane happy. What had been his purpose? Was he attempting to discourage Jane from Mr. Bingley so his own sister could marry him? No, it was ridiculous! But that troubled look in his eye, his frequent attempts to speak with her privately… Could it be?
Jane reached over to set her hand on top of Elizabeth's cold fingers. "Mr. Darcy is an honorable man. If he said such a thing in Miss Bingley's hearing, I daresay there was a good reason for it. Or perhaps she misunderstood. He is an attentive brother who wants the best for his sister. You must not allow anyone to lessen your respect and regard for your betrothed."
Lydia rolled her eyes.
Elizabeth straightened her shoulders. "You are right, of course, Jane. I would do well to ask him directly before I trust a word out of that vicious termagant's mouth. He will reply honestly."
