“No, Lydia. I will not discuss this presently, and I beg you to leave it alone.” Jane’s weariness bled out in her words, and she rubbed a hand over her eyes. “I believe I shall retire,” she said, standing. Her son cooed in her arms, and she held him close. “I shall just take Henry upstairs and ready him for bed first.” Jane glided from the room, head held high and emotions in check.
“Do I need to speak with Bingley?” Her husband spoke quietly in her ear so none could overhear.
“I do not believe so,” she replied. “Not yet. He has not pressed the issue. It is best, I think, to let them resolve the matter between themselves, without any unnecessary interference on our part.”
“If that is what you think is best, I shall bow to your decision. But if it becomes necessary for me to speak to my friend, I beg you to tell me at once.”
“You did your part rectifying your error,” she reminded him.
“I did, but I will not see my sister hurt if he presses her before she is ready to receive his addresses.” He squeezed her hand gently.
“Do you think she will? Receive him, I mean.” Sometimes Elizabeth wondered if Jane had resolved to refuse any man who tried to win her heart.
“She will. If she loves him as you say she does, she will not be able to resist.”
She turned and looked at him skeptically. “And how do you know that?” she asked.
“Because I was once in a similar situation. I loved a woman, you see, and despite allmyreservations and misgivings, despite prudence, honor, expectations, I was unable to resist her siren’s call.” He stared deeply into her eyes.
“Honestly, Lizzy, maybe you and Mr. Darcy ought to retire, too! He is looking at you rather intensely.” Lydia’s loud exclamation made Elizabeth jump, and she blushed in mortification.
Glancing nervously at her husband to see his reaction to her sister’s lack of tact, she knew surprise when he grinned mischievously. “You are quite right, Miss Lydia. I believe I am sufficiently exhausted. Shall we, Elizabeth?”
He stood and offered her his hand, which she took instantly. “Good night, Lydia, Kitty, Mary.” She, like Jane, left the room with her head held high, determined not to let her sister’s needling get to her. As they exited the room, Kitty and Lydia erupted in laughter, Mary’s half-hearted chastisements joining the chaos.
“I am dreadfully sorry about their teasing,” she said to Darcy as they climbed the stairs.
“They remind me of my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, in a way,” he chuckled.
“Do they? Does your cousin make such…inappropriatecomments?” The mortification she felt could not be hers alone.
“He has a peculiar sense of humor, to be sure,” he confirmed. “I will admit that if your sister had said that in company, I would have shriveled from embarrassment. My disapproval would know no bounds, and my arrogance would prompt me to chastise her thoroughly.”
Elizabeth sensed the teasing in his voice and swatted him playfully. Darcy continued, “I speak in truth, at least as to the first part. Lydia’s remarks would have embarrassed me.”
“I am mortified as it is. I cannot imagine how I would feel, either. Perhaps we would have slithered off together, hiding from our guests and keeping only each other company.”
“Your company is all I desire.” They entered their room, and he closed the door behind them. “I am quite content to spend the rest of my days solely in your presence.”
“No! How would thetonmanage without the great, wealthy Mr. Darcy in their midst?” She laughed and spun away from him as he tried to pull her into his arms.
“Minx. How shall I punish your impudence?” He reached for her again and Elizabeth let him catch her, going willingly into his embrace.
“I am sure you can think of something.” She wrapped an arm around his neck and pulled his head down until their lips met. Lost in his embrace, Elizabeth luxuriated in her husband’s love, marveling once again at her good fortune.Prudence, practicality, pragmatism,she mused.Who knew that they could lead to my happiness?
Chapter Forty-Four
November 26, 1812
Longbourn
Jane
Jane stared at the garish décor in the mistress’s suite.Mama always did have a peculiar taste,she mused.I cannot replace everything at once, but I can make a few changes.The first to go would be the dark, heavy drapes at the windows and around the bed, followed by the coverlet. The serviceable furniture would be kept for now, despite how much she disliked it.
The large chamber had ample space for a cradle for her son as well. Though there was a place for Henry in the nursery, Jane more often wished him close to her. He already slept through the night at just shy of three months old, a feat that several Meryton matrons had assured her was unusual. Mrs. Moore appreciatedthe babe’s nightly habits, too, and the master of Longbourn continued to please all around him.
Darcy and Elizabeth had proved invaluable. Elizabeth taught Jane everything their father had shown her about the management of the estate. Mr. Brown and Darcy had suggested improvements and ideas that made everything easier. Jane appreciated their efforts, as it made her transition to both master and mistress of the estate easier.
