Mr. Bingley’s grin broadened into a smile. “I shall join you, if I may.”
Jane was gratified and smiled up at him. Elizabeth and Mary exchanged a glance and smiled also. The ladies donned their outerwear and, together, moved into the fresh air. Mr. Bingley offered Jane his arm, while Elizabeth and Mary followed behind.
When they were well out of hearing, Elizabeth said softly, “Mary, perhaps there is a silver lining in all this. Jane will have more time to attach Mr. Bingley now that we are living under his roof.”
Mary nodded. “Yes. I have never seen two people fall in love so quickly. Or do you think it is merely physical attraction?”
Elizabeth’s brow furrowed. “I do not know. Is an instant attraction proof of something deeper? I believe it may be, for I was immediately repelled by Mr. Collins, though he is the very model of a gentleman in dress and deportment. There is something in his eyes that I find… unwholesome. But Mr. Bingley feels just the opposite, decent and safe. Perhaps some couples truly do experience love at first sight.”
The sisters walked on, discussing their notions of love and attraction, until they entered a little grove, where they encountered Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, seated on a bench ina heated discussion. The two women fell silent at once and rose to greet them.
Miss Bingley’s face was flushed crimson, her eyes narrowed. She turned upon Elizabeth with fury. Her gaze traveled slowly from Elizabeth’s hair to her shoes, measuring her with cold disdain.
“I do not know what he sees in you. He should have left you to the rector, for you are not fit for anything better.”
She stepped closer, but Mr. Bingley had returned at once and placed himself before his guest.
“Seven years lost, just like that,” Caroline muttered, a sound almost like a growl escaping her throat. Then she turned on her heel and walked away.
Mr. Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were both red-faced. Before he could speak, Elizabeth said quietly, “Please, Mr. Bingley, do not apologize for your sister. I do not know what her former attachment to Mr. Darcy may have been, but I can see she is grieving the loss. I do not hold it against her.”
Bingley took Elizabeth’s hand. “Thank you, Miss Elizabeth, for your understanding. Caroline is taking the loss of her favorite very hard.”
His eyes flicked toward Jane, and seeing the pain in her expression, he added gently, “But she must learn to restrain her disappointment. I will speak to her.”
Turning to Jane, he said, “Miss Bennet, I see you feel the insult to your sister as deeply as she does. Please find it in your heart to pardon my sister. I will ensure there is no repetition of such behavior.”
Mrs. Hurst had moved to Elizabeth’s side. “Are you well, Miss Elizabeth?”
“Yes, thank you. Other than a racing heart, which will slow soon enough, I am well. Perhaps Mary will walk a little farther with me while I regain full composure.” She looked at her elder sister. “Perhaps you will minister to Jane’s needs? She is discomposed, and we feel each other’s injuries most keenly.”
She curtsied and took Mary’s arm. The two sisters walked on.
Mr. Bingley turned to Jane. “Miss Bennet, may I serve you a little Madeira, or ratafia, as a restorative? You look quite pale.”
Mrs. Hurst took Jane’s other arm. “Come, let us take you to the drawing room and serve you some Madeira. You will feel more yourself after a few minutes’ rest.”
Mary placed her hand over Elizabeth’s, where it rested on her arm. “Lizzy, are you quite well? You look as pale as Jane did.”
“I will feel better once I walk. My heart is still racing. Miss Bingley hates me, did you see her eyes?”
“Yes,” Mary said softly. “I feared she might strike you. She must feel the loss of Mr. Darcy very keenly.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, I believe it has shaken her whole world. Perhaps she is as afflicted as I am. If she has indeed pursued his affection for seven years and now finds all hope lost, she may feel a storm of emotion as terrible or worse than what I am enduring. If that is so, I pity her.”
The two sisters completed a circuit of the grounds before returning to the house, where a late luncheon awaited them in the breakfast parlor. A cold collation of meats, cheeses, andbreads had been laid out, and they found Jane, the Hursts, and Mr. Bingley already at table.
“Miss Elizabeth,” Bingley said, “your cheeks have recovered their lovely color. Are you feeling better?”
“Yes, sir. The fresh air revived me. May I look through your library? All my favorite books belong to my father, and I was not able to bring them with me.”
Mrs. Hurst said, “I have just finishedThe Castle of Otrantoby Horace Walpole. I enjoyed every word of it. You are welcome to borrow it.”
“I would be most obliged.”
Louisa turned to a footman. “Ring for my maid and have her bringThe Castle of Otrantoto me.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
