Darcy shrugged.“It is the way of the world.I do not know if Miss Bennet returns your affections, but even if she does, there is no guarantee those feelings will last.”He gave Bingley a significant look.
“I hear what you are not saying, Darcy.It is the longevity ofmyaffections you are concerned about, is it not?”
Darcy only looked at him.
Bingley sighed.“I cannot be upset with you for thinking so, as you have often seen me in love, but this time is different.I know it is.All the other feelings I had were like a gentle mist on the wind.What I feel for Miss Bennet is a raging thunderstorm.”
Darcy sighed.“I hope you are correct, Bingley.It would not do to toy with her.She is a gentleman’s daughter and from the country.She is not used to the dalliances of Town.”
“My intentions are honorable, I assure you.”
“It is not the honor of your intentions I am concerned with.”He raised a brow.
Bingley met his look with a hard stare of his own.“You will see, Darcy.My feelings are strong.”
He nodded.“Very well.”Let us see how long they remain strong.
Chapter 8
Revelation
ElizabethenteredJane’sroomthe next morning to find her sister already sitting up in bed and drinking a cup of tea.
“Good morning, Lizzy.Did you sleep well?”
“I did, thank you.How are you feeling?”
“Quite well.I am nearly recovered.I think we may return home tomorrow.”
Elizabeth nodded and sat on the edge of the bed.“That is good to hear.I like your Mr.Bingley quite well, but his sisters are another matter entirely.”
“And Mr.Darcy?”Jane asked as she peered over her teacup.
“He is less troublesome than I originally found him, but I do not enjoy his company.”
Jane only pursed her lips, then said, “Did you have any interesting dreams?”
“I did not dream of Mr.Bingley, if that is what you are asking.”
Jane looked at her innocently.“I was asking about dreams in general, Elizabeth.Not about Mr.Bingley.”
Elizabeth looked like she did not quite believe her, but she left the statement alone.“As a matter of fact, I did have a dream.It was unlike any I have ever had before.”
Jane shifted on the bed and leaned back against the pillows.“Tell me about it.”
“I was in a stable.It was very large and grand for a stable.There were many horses, but I was going to visit one in particular.It was a mare with a beautiful chestnut coat.I brought her carrots in my pocket.I knew she preferred them, and she ate them from my hand.”
“That is unlike your other dreams.You generally dream about people, do you not?”
“Generally, yes, though there have been a few where I was learning to ride.Buthewas always there.”Jane knew she referenced her faceless husband.“There was an older man in the stable.He asked me how I was that morning and if I wished to ride out.”
“Did he call you by name?That would make it much easier to find your husband.”
“If he said it, I did not hear it.He mentioned something about a particular trail having blooms that he thought I would like to see, and I told him I would come back that afternoon.”
“It must be frustrating not knowing who he is,” said Jane sympathetically.
“Sometimes it is.Other times it is comforting to know I will be happy in the future.”She sighed.“What I really wish is to have a dream of something that will happen soon.Everything seems so far away.It would be helpful to know what is going to happen next week.”
