Charlotte sighed. “Worry not. Sir Andrew’s words were meant to warn me from seeking an attachment to him. He believed that my desperation to be ‘off the shelf’ would lead to flirtations and expectations.”
“He is rather full of himself to believe such nonsense.”
“Is it nonsense, Eliza?” Charlotte sighed. “Most spinsters who have not the dowry to support themselves would prove so mercenary.”
“Youwould not stoop to such machinations.” Elizabeth sounded so sure of her words.
“I would. I have no dowry and no prospects. If a worthy and eligible man offered me his hand, I would accept it without delay.”
Elizabeth scoffed. “Never! Charlotte, practicality and prudence have no place when falling in love.”
“Do they not? It is easy to speak those words now, Eliza. You are young, not even one-and-twenty. Have you looked at the future through the lens I have? My dowry is five hundred pounds. I have two younger brothers and a younger sister. I am a burden on my parents, and when John inherits, his wife will not want a spinster sister about the house, though she may condescend to keep me if I make myself useful. Should I not wed, there is no other path for me but genteel poverty. When you have reached my age, Elizabeth, and are still unwed, you can tell me that prudence and practicality have no place.”
Elizabeth was silent, and Charlotte did not look at her. “Our views on matrimony are very different.” Her words were quiet now and less severe. “You have the privilege of clinging to your romantic sensibilities, at least for a while longer. I no longer have that luxury.”
Charlotte glanced at Elizabeth. Her friend’s expression was contemplative.Does she wonder if Jane shares my views?Despite Mr. Collins’s defection, Charlotte approved of Jane’s choice. Her future was secure, and that of her mother and sisters. She did not blame the former Miss Bennet for seizing the chance to marry. Jane’s choice came from her head, not her heart; that was necessary when one considered what might be if Mr. Bennet died and none of the sisters were married.
They reached the parsonage and Charlotte excused herself to change. Dry and comfortable, she stayed in her room until tea, nursing the hurt caused by the sting of Sir Andrew’s words.
Chapter Twelve
March 23, 1812
Hunsford, Kent
Elizabeth
The summons to Rosings Park for the evening meal came unexpectedly. Jane received it with grace, taking the missive from Martha and breaking the seal. She sighed and set it aside. “It seems we have been invited to dine with Lady Catherine and her guests tonight,” she said calmly.
“But Jane, did you not—” Elizabeth’s words were cut off.
“The roast meat can be served tomorrow. I shall instruct Cook to save it until then.” Jane stood and pushed away from the table.
“What do you suppose caused this abrupt summons?” Elizabeth turned to Charlotte for her opinion.
Her friend finished chewing before replying. “Lady Catherine’s other guests likely try her patience. I suppose she wishes for us to increase the party, thus decreasing her need to speak to Lady de Bourgh and Sir Andrew.”
“You are probably correct.”
“Have you noticed that Martha often goes to Rosings Park?”
The change of subject took Elizabeth off guard, and she looked at Charlotte in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“Martha escapes as soon as her duties are completed. I have observed her hastening toward the great house every afternoon.” Her friend shrugged.
Elizabeth’s brow furrowed. “Why have her habits so drawn your attention?”
“Servants gossip. I worry that Jane’s actions are being carried to Lady Catherine’s ears. Her every mood seems to be under scrutiny.”
Guilt filled Elizabeth. “I had not noticed,” she confessed. “Jane seems so composed.”
“It might be nothing.” Charlotte sawed at the ham on her plate. “No one could disapprove of your sister. Mrs. Collins is practically perfect in every way.”
This praise pleased Elizabeth, as it always did when others recognized her elder sister’s goodness. “Shall we warn Jane?”
“I am certain your sister knows.” Charlotte continued eating, and Elizabeth returned to her own meal.
Jane returned from the kitchen and settled herself. Elizabeth watched as she pushed food around her plate, not really eating anything other than a slice of lightly buttered toast. Concerned, she asked, “Jane? Are you well?”
