Elizabeth thought that a rather sensible solution. She had dreaded being forced to wait until late morning to dine and had already contemplated ordering a tray so that she could maintain her usual country hours.
She and Darcy filled plates from the sideboard and took a seat next to Mr. Bingley.
“I have a letter from Caroline, finalizing her visit.” Mr. Bingley produced a sheet of paper and opened it, reading aloud.
Dear Charlie,
We are in a rush to depart, and so I shall be as brief as possible whilst I pen this note. James and I shall leave for London today. We both have business in town that we wish to conclude before coming to you in Hertfordshire. I am very much looking forward to Christmas in the country! Town is so dreary and gray this time of year.
Bingley paused. “I shall just skip over this next bit,” he said, his ears turning red. “She just teases me.” He cleared his throat and continued.
We shall arrive on the first of December. Pray, tell me if you need anything from London and I shall see that we acquire it before we journey thither. I look forward to making the acquaintance of your new friends and neighbors.
With love,
Caroline
Elizabeth scarcely registered the majority of the letter, so distracted she was by the salutation.Charlie,she thought. Oh, how she wished she could simply ask Mr. Bingley questions! It was impossible, though, because if she did it would reveal her greatest secret: that she was not a Bennet and had no rights to their name or position. To do so would spell disaster, she felt certain. But the curiosity burned.I only wish to know who I am,she reassured herself.But why am I so insistent? I have a family.
“Miss Elizabeth?” A footman appeared at the door. “Miss Bennet is asking for you.”
“Please excuse me, gentlemen.” She pushed away from the table, abandoning her partially consumed breakfast so that she could hurry to Jane’s side.
Her sister sat in her bed, propped up against a mound of pillows.
“How are you feeling this morning, dearest?” Elizabeth sat next to her, brushing Jane’s hair from her pale face.
“A bit better.” Jane grimaced. “I would like to try a bit of toast, but I fear the consequences.”
“We can attempt it.” Elizabeth nodded to the waiting maid, who bobbed a quick curtsey and left to secure a tray. “And if you keep it down, we can try something more later.”
Jane nodded. She looked exhausted, despite having slept deeply the night before. Her pale countenance bore witness to her illness, yet rather than detracting from her beauty, it rendered her ethereally lovely.
“Have you had enough to occupy your time?” Jane asked quietly.
“Yes. I went on a walk this morning before breakfast.”
“I am pleased to hear it. What of the company? Have you tired of the gentlemen yet?” Jane smiled weakly.
“Never! They have lavished me with flattery and compliments. Why, even Mr. Hurst declared me to be singular!” The remark had come in passing during dinner the previous evening, and if Elizabeth was any judge, it had not been intended as a compliment.
“I am very happy to hear that. What of Mrs. Hurst? Is she agreeable?”
Elizabeth frowned. “We are of very different temperaments,” she confessed. “I believe she dislikes being at Netherfield, and I am a reminder that she is to stay here through the winter.”
“Before I fell ill, she mentioned she prefers life and society in London. Oh, Lizzy, I do want her to like me! What if she does not and tells Mr. Bingley that I am not suitable? I may love him, you see, and it would break my heart if he decided I could be nothing more to him than a mere acquaintance.”
“I do not believe you have anything to fear, dearest.” Elizabeth smiled. “I have it on good authority that Mr. Bingley never listens to his elder sister, and his affection foryouis plain for anyone to see. I shall be very surprised if he does not propose before the end of November. Charlotte agrees with me; we spoke of it the day you fell ill.”
“I would not refuse him if he did propose to me. Mr. Bingley is everything a gentleman ought to be. Handsome, amiable, considerate—”
“Do not forget rich. A gentleman ought to have a fortune if he can manage it.” Elizabeth gave her sister a wink, and Jane swatted her weakly.
“You know that I do not care for his money,” she said. “I have never wished for elaborate clothing or expensive jewels. If he loves me and we have enough for our needs, I shall be satisfied.”
“We have always had remarkably similar opinions about marital bliss. I am in agreement. If a man could love me with so modest a dowry, I should be very pleased.”
“Ten thousand pounds is hardly a modest sum, Lizzy.” Jane shook her head weakly. “It is a respectable dowry, and rather impressive considering our father has five daughters to dower.”
