She entered, climbed onto the bed, and sat beside her sister. Elizabeth drew her knees up and rested her forehead against them.
“What is it, Lizzy? Are you unwell? You left all your food on your plate,” Jane asked gently.
Elizabeth raised her head. “Jane, that man continually taunts me. I can hardly bear to be near him. I shall beg Papa to send me to London. Aunt Gardiner could use my help now that she has little Aimee. In her last letter, she wrote that her nanny’s time is taken up by the baby, and Aunt Maddie spends all her hours chasing after Edward.”
Jane studied her closely. “You mean Mr. Collins? When does he taunt you?”
“Whenever he sits near me, he makes the most improper remarks,” Elizabeth said, tears slipping down her cheeks.
Jane’s eyes widened. “Such as?”
Elizabeth sat up. “It is not so much the words he says but the way he says them and the predatory look in his eyes when he speaks. He leaned close to me today and said,‘You are flaming hot, Elizabeth. You really must marry me. We will have such fun together.’”
Jane gasped. “That is appalling, Lizzy. Have you told Papa?”
Elizabeth groaned. “Papa sees everything. I told him our cousin is improper, but I could not repeat his exact words. It is too humiliating.”
Jane sighed. “There is nothing for it. You must go to our aunt in London.”
Elizabeth patted the bed. “Lie down next to me and tell me about Mr. Bingley. He seems an amiable and proper gentleman. Help me take my mind off our cousin.”
Jane smiled shyly. “Lizzy, he is so handsome and so good. I think I have fallen in love.”
Elizabeth laughed. “I have heard that before, sister dear.”
Jane giggled. “I know you have, but this time I mean it. I have never felt this way before.” She gave Elizabeth a sly look. “He said he was coming this afternoon to visit me. He wants to walk in the garden.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Clever girl. You are getting a step ahead of the crowd.”
Jane frowned. “But we won’t be able to walk in the garden if there are callers. I will need to remain indoors with them.”
Elizabeth considered this. “If you ask Mamma to set up a tea table in the courtyard with chairs, we may entertain callers outdoors. When Mr. Bingley arrives, it will be perfectly proper for you to walk with him in the rose garden, since it skirts the courtyard.”
Jane brightened. “I will.”
Just then, there was a sharp rap at the door, and the handle turned.
“Lizzy, open this door at once. There is no call to lock it.”
Jane hurried to her feet and unlocked it.
The frown on Frances Bennet’s face became a smile when her favorite daughter appeared at the door. “Jane, my dear, I was going to go in search of you next. Do you think Mr. Bingley will visit us this afternoon?”
Jane colored and lowered her gaze. “Yes, Mamma. He told me he intends to call and wishes to walk with me in the garden.”
Mrs. Bennet clapped her hands. “That is very well done, my dear.”
“May we have Alice set up a small tea table in the courtyard?”
“Yes, of course. I shall make the arrangements at once.”
She turned a sharp eye on Elizabeth, still sitting on the bed. “Lizzy, get up and change your clothes. You look a fright. Your hair is sticking out all over the place.”
Elizabeth slipped off the bed. “Yes, Mamma.”
Mrs. Bennet turned back to Jane. “Go to your room, dear. I will send Ruthie to dress your hair. I expect our callers will begin arriving soon.”
Jane smiled at Elizabeth, and Elizabeth winked back.
