Lydia rolled her eyes in aso-what-is-the-issueway. “And what exactly is wrong with dating a billionaire? I know women who would kill to get that far.”
“That isn’t why you’re here,” Jane said firmly. “Elizabeth isn’t everyone. And we will support her, regardless of what she decides.”
Elizabeth’s chest tightened. She gave Jane a look of quiet gratitude, and Jane’s expression softened in return.
“Lizzy… what did you say to him?” Jane’s brow furrowed again. “Because I’m certain it didn’t go badly just because he asked you out.”
Elizabeth looked down at her phone, thumb hovering.
“I brought up Wickham.”
Jane’s face changed immediately. “Oh.”
Lydia blinked. “I’m sorry—who is Wickham?”
Elizabeth glanced at her. “Someone from Darcy’s past.”
Jane’s voice was cautious. “The one who messaged you, right?”
Elizabeth nodded and unlocked her phone. “He finally replied. He told me the nastiest story I’ve ever heard about the ultra-wealthy. He claims they were raised together.”
Jane’s scepticism was immediate. “Hmm.”
Lydia leaned forward instinctively, then caught herself.
“Wait—random men are messaging you now?”
Elizabeth ignored her and handed the phone to Jane. “See for yourself.”
Jane read silently, her expression tightening with every line.
After a moment, she looked up.
“Lizzy… I really hope this isn’t a fake person.”
Elizabeth stiffened. “A fake person?”
Jane hesitated. “I only mean… people can be anyone online. A message isn’t proof.”
Lydia craned her neck, trying to see. “Does he have a picture?”
Elizabeth shot her a look. “Lydia.”
“What? I’m curious.”
Jane turned the phone slightly, and Lydia immediately brightened.
“Oh,” Lydia said. “He’s in uniform.”
Jane sighed. “That doesn’t mean anything.”
“I didn’t say it meant anything,” Lydia replied. “I’m just saying men in uniform are… unfortunately compelling.”
Elizabeth’s voice was flat. “We are not discussing his aesthetic.”
Jane handed the phone back gently. “Lizzy, you need evidence. Not just his story.”
“I know,” Elizabeth said quickly. “I’m going to ask him for proof. Something real.”
