I could do with a few bolts of fabric when you come. Tell my aunt to select something sturdy. I am in need of a few work gowns. Some thread, needles, and other accoutrements would not go amiss. I shall settle the bill with my uncle when it is available.
As for your requests for understanding, they will have to wait. I have had nearly three months now to think on my decisions, and with each passing day, I grow more convinced that I made the correct choice. My reasons will be explained in due course. You may ask if I still think on Mr. Bingley with fondness. There, I have written his name. You have been far too cautious in your letters, mentioning him without actually naming him! I promise, I shall satisfy your curiosity before too long.
I do love you, Lizzy.
Jane Collins.
Her reply was not satisfactory, but Elizabeth knew she would garner no more information from her sister, not until she went to Kent. Jane’s letters did not lead Elizabeth tobelieveher sister to be melancholy. She would have to be content with Jane’s professions of happiness.
March 4, 1812
Gracechurch Street
Elizabeth
“Charlotte!” Elizabeth hugged her friend tightly before turning to her father. She hugged him as well, and he kissed her head fondly.
“It is good to see you, dear Lizzy,” he said. “I have not had two words of sense since you left Longbourn.”
They entered the house and were met by Mrs. Gardiner. Mr. Bennet was escorted to the larger guest room upstairs and Elizabeth took Charlotte to the room they would share for the night.
“How was the journey?” she asked as Charlotte washed the road dust from her face.
“It was tolerable. Your father and the maid slept, and I watched the scenery. It has been years since I traveled from Meryton. Not all is as I remember.” Charlotte looked up into the mirror behind the washbasin and met Elizabeth’s gaze. “I have nothing of which to complain. I am grateful for Jane’s invitation.”
Elizabeth sat on the bed. “Yes, I believe we will enjoy our time in Kent. Jane speaks of the beauty of Hunsford.”
Charlotte turned to her. “And how is she adjusting to her new role?”
“I hardly know, Charlotte,” Elizabeth confessed. “Jane’s letters speak of her contentment. She does not complain of anything. I cannot see any disquiet or dissatisfaction in her words. But I do not trust that she is wholly happy with her situation. My sister has always worked to see the best in everyone, even when there is no apparent goodness to be found. Does she do the same now, or is she genuinely pleased with her life?”
Charlotte sat beside her. “You and Jane are not the same. You could not have found happiness in the same way because of this. Your sister has chosen to find peace with her decision, or soit seems from your words. Are you to deny her that? Will you dredge up the past because you do not believe her unaffected by it? What is done cannot be undone, you know.”
“Do you believe, then, that marrying for love is not necessary for Jane’s happiness?”
“I have told you before, happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.” Charlotte sighed. “If Jane seeks joy and contentment in her situation, she will find that. One does not need love to do so.”
“Your parents love each other,” Elizabeth said. “Their relationship is harmonious, is it not? I have seen the unhappiness that comes when someone marries another who is entirely unsuited to them. I do not want that.”
“You are not your sister. Jane will find the good that is to be found and then nurture it. Perhaps Mr. Collins will blossom under her loving care.” Charlotte shrugged and stood. “Your aunt awaits. Let us go down to tea.”
Elizabeth followed without complaint.
They left Gracechurch Street early the next morning. Mr. Bennet dozed while Charlotte and Elizabeth spoke quietly. The hours passed and soon both ladies took to admiring the countryside. Signs of spring were evident everywhere, and the anticipation to witness how the changing seasons transformed the Garden of England grew.
It will not be long now,Elizabeth thought. Soon, she would see Jane and be able to determine her sister’s wellbeing.
Chapter Eight
March 5, 1812
Hunford, Kent
Elizabeth
The carriage rolled to a stop in front of the Hunsford rectory. Elizabeth’s first impressions were positive. The house was made of gray stone, with ivy climbing one side. Little bits of green peeked up throughout the garden, their presence promising more beauty as spring took hold. And there Jane stood, her arm looped through Mr. Collins’s, a bright smile on her face. She was too far away for Elizabeth to ascertain if her expression heldtruecontentment.
Mr. Bennet pushed the door open and stepped down, turning to assist Elizabeth and Charlotte. Elizabeth felt unaccountably nervous. Despite Jane’s assertions, she wished to see her sister’s professed satisfaction for herself. She could not believe that Janewould throw away the dream of love so readily. Though her sister claimed to have good reason for marrying Mr. Collins, until Elizabeth knew all, she would not rest easy.
