“Miss Elizabeth will be mucking stables,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said cheerfully. “Getting her hands properly dirty. Character-building, you know.”
Elizabeth saw the teasing glint in his eye and knew he was baiting Miss Bingley deliberately. Sure enough, the woman’s lips curved in a sharp smile.
“How diverting,” Miss Bingley said silkily. “A task well-suited to a Bennet.”
The silence that followed was absolute.
Mr. Darcy’s expression hardened into something cold and forbidding. Colonel Fitzwilliam’s easy smile vanished. Even Mr. Bingley looked shocked, his mouth opening as though to protest.
The cut pierced Elizabeth like a physical blow, but she refused to show it. She lifted her chin, met Miss Bingley’s gaze with cool dignity, then turned to Mr. Darcy.
“Sir, might your carriage be made available? There has been a change of plans. Jane and I must return to Longbourn immediately.”
“Miss Elizabeth…” Mr. Bingley began. “Your sister is ill. She should not be moved.”
“Jane will travel regardless. We have imposed on Netherfield’s hospitality long enough.” She kept her voice steady, refusing to let it shake. “If you will excuse me, I must help Jane prepare.”
She turned toward the stairs, her vision blurring slightly but her spine straight.
“Miss Elizabeth, wait…”
Elizabeth turned as Mr. Bingley started forward.
“You cannot mean to leave because of my sister’s thoughtless…”
“The carriage will be ready within the hour,” Mr. Darcy said. His eyes never left Elizabeth’s face. “I shall inform my driver.”
Elizabeth nodded once and ascended the staircase, the weight of Mr. Darcy’s scrutiny on her shoulders.
Once Elizabeth repeatedMiss Bingley’s insult, Jane understood immediately. She asked no questions, simply began gathering her things with Elizabeth’s help. Within half an hour, they were ready to depart.
A small crowd had assembled in the entrance hall when they descended the grand staircase, Miss Bingley notably absent. Mr. Bingley hovered anxiously, clearly distressed. Mr. and Mrs. Hurst stood to the side, looking ill at ease.
“Miss Bennet, please,” Mr. Bingley said as Jane reached the bottom step. “There is no need to leave. My sister spoke out of turn. She will apologize?—”
“There is every need,” Elizabeth said. “We are most grateful for your hospitality, Mr. Bingley.”
Miss Darcy appeared at Elizabeth’s elbow, squeezing her hand briefly in support.
“The carriage is ready,” Mr. Darcy said. “Colonel Fitzwilliam and I will ride alongside.”
“In this weather?” Elizabeth protested. “That is unnecessary.”
“It is absolutely necessary,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said. “No argument, Miss Elizabeth.”
They were bundled into the carriage with surprising efficiency. Miss Darcy insisted on accompanying them, climbing inside despite Elizabeth’s protests.
“I shall not let you two travel alone,” she said. “Not after that.”
Elizabeth glimpsed Mr. Darcy’s face as he closed the carriage door—grim, determined, almost angry. Then the carriage lurched into motion.
Elizabeth sat against the squabs, her hands grippingthe edge of the seat. She would not cry. She would not give Miss Bingley that satisfaction.
“Oh, Lizzy,” Jane said.
“I am well enough.” Elizabeth kept her attention fixed on the window. “It was the correct decision.”
And it was. Jane’s protection was far more precious than her own dream. If Miss Bingley could be so cruel in front of witnesses, what would she do to Jane in private? Jane, who saw only good in people. Jane, who would endure any cut with grace and never defend herself.
