They linked arms and made their way back into the party.Mr.Bennet and Mr.Bingley had not yet returned, but that did not stop all her neighbors from swarming around her and asking a flood of questions.
Had she known tonight would be special?Did her mark feel any different now that she had found her soulmate?When did she wish to wed?Would she encourage Mr.Bingley to buy Netherfield?
On and on it went until Jane begged for the carriage to take her home.Her father and Mr.Bingley were nowhere to be found, and she was certain her new suitor would call on her the next day.She could take no more of her neighbors’ attention.
Jane and Elizabeth arrived back at Longbourn earlier than expected.Lydia was sitting in the front parlor, reading a book, when they walked in and Jane fell into an exhausted heap on the sofa.
“Where are mama and papa?And Kitty?”asked Lydia.“Why are you home early?Are you injured?”
“No, we are quite well, but it was an exciting evening,” answered Elizabeth.
“What happened?”
“Mr.Bingley is Jane’s soulmate.”
Lydia’s eyes widened and her head jerked back.“What?How did you know?What did he say?Tell me everything!”
Jane began to tell her youngest sister the story of how she met Mr.Bingley and Elizabeth settled next to the fire and allowed her thoughts to drift.
She had known something exciting would happen tonight.Her mark had been hot and tingly, and she had had the oddest feeling.Now she knew why.To think her mark tingled because Jane was about to meet her soulmate!She had always known she was close to her sister, and she certainly loved Jane more than anyone else in the world, but she would not have thought such a thing possible.
It was just another sign that the Bennet sisters were more than a little unusual when it came to their marks.
Chapter 8
Thenextday,CharlesBingley was in Mr.Bennet’s study before the family had even finished breakfast.For such a momentous event, all the particulars were decided quickly.They both thought it wise that Bingley court Jane for a few months before they wed.By the end of the day, all of Hertfordshire and half of London would know that Jane and Bingley were soulmates.They could go forward with an engagement, but there would be no exact wedding date just yet.Bingley would call on Jane regularly, spending more and more time at Longbourn, and when Jane felt she was ready, they would announce the engagement formally and choose a date.
Mr.Bingley was more than generous with the settlement he proposed and Mr.Bennet readily agreed.The papers would be drawn up in short order and if Jane had no objection, Mr.Bennet would sign them.
Bingley joined the family for breakfast when they finished their discussion, quickly taking the vacant seat next to Jane.She smiled shyly and spoke softly to him, and by the end of the meal, Mr.Bingley was utterly smitten.Jane was more cautious, but after two more calls and a walk in the garden, she was very pleased Mr.Bingley was her soulmate and would soon be her husband.
“Jane and Mr.Bingley came together so easily,” said Elizabeth.She was walking along the fields south of Longbourn with Charlotte Lucas, her closest neighbor.
“Of course, they did.It is Jane.”
Elizabeth laughed.They had joked throughout the years that Jane was the most angelic of them all.The most beautiful, the most good, the most selfless and generous and kind.Of course, her gowns never tore and her hair never escaped its pins.It was Jane!She was perfection personified.She deserved every good thing and Fate would not be so cruel as to deny her.
“Yes, I know.I cannot help but think my own match will not be so easily accomplished,” said Elizabeth.
“What makes you think so?”
“The same thing that made my hems tear when Jane’s remained intact.I do not have my sister’s luck.”She gave Charlotte a look.“Or her goodness, which may have more to do with it.”She twirled a leaf in her hand as she walked.“I do not know really.It is just a feeling I have.”
“A more complicated romance is no less estimable than a simple one.It does not mean the love is any less pure.”
Elizabeth squeezed her arm.“Thank you, Charlotte.You are right, of course.”
“Of course.”
“Does it ever get tiresome?Being right all the time?”teased Elizabeth.
Charlotte sighed.“It does, but it is the burden I must bear.”
She maintained her serious expression for half a minute before they both burst into laughter.
Darcy sat atop his horse on the other side of the field, watching two young ladies walk along arm in arm, laughing and talking.They seemed so happy and carefree.What he would not give to see Georgiana in such a manner!
He took the letter he had received that morning our of his pocket and read over his favorite part again.
