“Now, shall we?” Elizabeth asked.
Jane stood next to Elizabeth and thought to herself,I have cherished this chance to live in this remarkable world, but please, allow me to return to my family for Christmas.
Elizabeth stood next to her friend and thought,Whatever wish myfriend is wishing, whatever brings her the greatest happiness, please, show her your favour.
The two ladies both opened their eyes and together, threw their hair pins into the spring, then turned and, arm in arm, returned to Netherfield for breakfast.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Mr and Mrs Bingleywere acting rather strangely when Jane and Elizabeth joined the others for breakfast, and Jane noticed that Mr Bingley was unobtrusively observing her extensively throughout the meal, and wondered as to the cause. The others were quite as they usually were, and Jane tried not to worry about Mr and Mrs Bingley’s odd behaviour as she listened to the others make plans for their day.
After breakfast, Georgiana and Mrs Annesley would begin giving all three younger Bennets a lesson in chess, and she implored Elizabeth to join in and help, which Elizabeth agreed to good-naturedly. After a few hours of this endeavour, the young ladies would read from a novel by Maria Edgeworth and discuss the volume. Jane was invited to join their party in the library, and would use the opportunity to work on Mrs Bingley’s wrap.
“And we must all gather together in the drawing room for tea at two o’clock this afternoon,” Georgiana announced. “Especially you, Miss Jane, for Lizzy and Mrs Bingley have planned a most exciting surprise!”
Jane looked at Elizabeth and said in suspicion, “What are you up to, Lizzy?”
“Nothing; nothing at all.” Elizabeth was the picture of innocence.
Jane had said nothing about her birthday since she spoke with SirWilliam and Mr Bennet upon her arrival, but she supposed Elizabeth might have remembered that today was Jane’s birthday,again.Well… Janedidhope that her friends had not gone to too much trouble, but if they had, she would enjoy their efforts with relish. She thought regretfully of the roast mutton and syllabub she had missed at the dinner her brother Edward had planned for her. .
Mrs Bingley spoke to her sister-in-law. “Louisa, would you care to assist me with the arrangements for the ball today?”
“I have no idea why I must be expected to assist with the celebrations foryour sister’swedding and ball, when I amforcedto stay here in the country and miss the preparations for the wedding ofmy own sister.” Mrs Hurst sniffed. “I believe I will forgo the delight of being your assistant.”
“So whatever will you do with your time?” her brother demanded. “You avoid the company of my wife and the other guests, you do not call upon the ladies of the village, and you have no charitable endeavours. What on earth do youdoall day, Sister?”
“I mind my own business, and hope that others will do the same.” Mrs Hurst crossed her arms.
“WellIfor one, am looking forward to the ball. It is not often that I have the opportunity to attend such a lavish private event.” Mr Rupert Hurst paused from cutting his ham. “I was hoping, Miss Mary, that you would be my partner for the first.”
There was a low collective gasp from the young ladies around the room that were shocked by the audacity of Mr Rupert Hurst. Everyone in Meryton knew the unkind words he had spoken about Mary and the other local young ladies. He was still invited to events as part of Mrs Bingley’s household, but no one actuallyspoketo him anymore, other than his brother and sister-in-law.
“I am delighted to inform you that Miss Mary is engaged to stand up for the first already, and I warn you, if you ask her again for any set, I shall call you out,” Colonel Fitzwilliam growled.
“Well, really!” Mrs Hurst exclaimed. “Charles, I must object to the behaviour of your guests. I am told that my brother-in-law said something that was taken personally at Longbourn, but truly, anyone who was eavesdropping ought to be ashamed of theirownbehaviour, and ifRupert is generous enough to dance the first with Miss Mary as penance for his honesty, the girl ought to be grateful!”
“Grateful! That is rich!” Elizabeth spat out. “Grateful for what?”
“Well has anyone ever even seen the girl dance the first with anyone before? It is a distinction that sheoughtto be grateful for.” Mrs Hurst insisted.
Jane placed a calming hand on Elizabeth’s arm as the young lady nearly began to rise from her chair. Jane thought for a moment her friend might go around the table and place hands upon the other woman.
“Louisa, I wish I knew why it is that every time one of my kin opens their mouth at this table, I must be filled with remorse and mortification, but you and our sister ensure it at every opportunity.” Bingley laid his cup on its saucer and stared at his sister. “Mr Rupert, it is very unfortunate that you chose to insult my wife’s sister, a woman much loved by her family, and well respected in this village, in the hearing ofseveralothers, including Mrs Bingley and myself. I will not ask you to leave Netherfield after you have been specially invited to spend the festive season with your brother, but please, do not approach any of my sisters by marriage again. I do not believe any of them will tolerate your attentions, and my mother-in-law will certainly not permit them to stand up with you. I hope that you somehow repair the damage you have done to your reputation while in Meryton before you leave, it would be the least you could do for me and for Mrs Bingley. Do not despair, sir; Darcy put his foot in it and insulted the locals when he first arrived last year, and he put it right, did he not, Lizzy?”
“Of course he did, heproposedto one of them!” Louisa spat.
“Well I do not believe that Mr Rupert is in danger of being accepted by anyone in Meryton, Sister.” Bingley returned his attention to his plate.
“Asifmy husband’s brother wou-”
“Louisa.” Her husband's tone was quiet but forbidding.
Mrs Hurst huffed androlled her eyes.
Mr and Mrs Bingley lingered in the breakfast room as the others left, and Jane waited as well, for she could tell they wished to speak with her.
“Miss Jane, we did not wish to put you off of your morning meal, but while you were out with Lizzy, a gentleman arrived with the hope of identifying you as his sister.” Mr Bingley informed her gently. “He seems quite certain from the sketches that he knows you.”
