Elizabeth smiled. “Then I thank you for it.”
Anne put down her fork and examined Elizabeth in a disconcerting manner. Elizabeth did not quite know what to make of it.
“I would like to apologize for what I said yesterday morning. About you stealing Darcy from me,” Anne remarked. “It was very badly done of me, especially considering how worried you are about your sister. I suppose I have wanted to say those words to you since Darcy broke our engagement, and it simply poured out the moment I had an opportunity to talk to you.”
She leaned across the table.
“In fact, I amgladDarcy and I did not marry. We would not have suited at all. I care for my cousin, of course. We spent a lot of time together when we were children. But he requires a lot of effort, and I simply do not have the strength to deal with him.”
A rueful smile brightened Miss de Bourgh’s face. When animated as she was now, she resembled Darcy. She was not handsome, but she had a similar smile, and there was a family resemblance around the eyes.
“Darcy can be quite demanding,” said Elizabeth, with a laugh. She thought back to his insistence that she should memorize the wholeCompendium of Common Spells.
“Exactly. I have seen how you deal with him, and I can see you can stand your own. I did not expect you would be in love with Darcy. I thought you would be cold and ambitious, but you are none of those things.”
Elizabeth blinked. “It is generous of you to say so. I hope our marriage didn’t cause you pain.”
“Pain?” It was Miss de Bourgh’s turn to look startled. “I did not feel pain. My pride was hurt at first, but the whole thing has been long forgotten. Not by Mama, though. She will not let it go. Not ever. Anyone would think we were already married, and you kidnapped him from me on my wedding night.” To Elizabeth’s surprise, Anne tittered.
“You are not at all what I expected, either,” said Elizabeth, frankly.
Anne’s lips tilted. “I am glad I was wrong as well. Darcy has become a better person by being with you. You are good for him. We all deserve someone who can challenge us and make us into a better person.” She threw down her napkin. “Would you like me to show you the garden? The roses are still blooming.”
Elizabeth was beginning to get used to Anne’s blunt ways.
“I would love to,” she said.
They were not long in the garden when a footman came looking for them.
“Mrs. Darcy, I was sent by the Healers to tell you your sister has woken up.”
The Healers insisted that only her immediate family could see Miss Bennet. Elizabeth went in first, with Darcy.
“Dear Jane,” she said, touching her sister lightly on the head. There was no sign of fever. “How are you feeling?”
“A bit tired,” whispered Jane.
“That’s only to be expected,” said Darcy. “You have been through an ordeal.”
Elizabeth stared at her sister, taking in the sight of her, scarcely believing that Jane was awake and talking to them. Her face had lost its sickly pallor, and there was color in her cheeks. Elizabeth wanted to jump for joy.
She looked at Darcy, who beamed at her and then her sister.
Mr. Bennet came forward and kissed Jane on the brow. “The Healers tell me you are doing well, Jane,” he said. “I am pleased to hear it.” Despite his light words, Elizabeth could see he was struggling to hold back his emotions. Her eyes prickled, and she gave his shoulder a squeeze.
“Are you in any pain?” asked Darcy.
“A little,” Jane admitted.
It was clearly a strain for her to talk to them. “I think we had better let you recover,” said Elizabeth. “We will be back later.”
Jane’s gaze turned towards the door. Elizabeth recognized the longing in her gaze. “Mr. Bingley has been at your side day and night. There has been some trouble about it. Be nice to him, Jane. He loves you very dearly. Would you like me to send him in? I should warn you, though, Darcy’s aunt may cry compromise.”
“Send him in,” said Jane.
Bingley must have been listening outside the door, because at Jane’s words, he stepped in.
Then the two of them had eyes only for each other, their eyes glistening with love.
