“That may take a considerable time, sir,” Mr Bennet replied, now fully attentive to the implications.
“One year—perhaps two.”
“Oh! That is not possible!” cried Mrs Bennet, pressing her hand to her heart.
Mr Bennet merely sighed—and in that sigh was more concern than in any speech.
“As I said, it is not an easy situation.”
He looked at them with quiet understanding. A long engagement might be acceptable in other circumstances—but here, it was something entirely different.
Elizabeth’s reputation was at stake. How could she appear in society in connection with a man awaiting a divorce?
“The time will pass,” Elizabeth said quickly. Only hours before, she had had no reason to hope.
“It will,” agreed Mr Bennet. “But your future depends upon how it passes. At the end of this year, you must still be received in society—not only for yourselves, but for your children’s sake.”
Elizabeth blushed, reminded that marriage meant far more than feeling and affection, and for a fleeting moment, she imagined their children.
“I am not the one seeking a divorce,” she said at last. “For men, everything is simpler.”
“Will you be allowed to marry again?” Mrs Bennet asked anxiously.
“Yes. In such cases, a man may remarry. But the process is long. It requires proceedings in the ecclesiastical courts, a civil action, and finally a private bill in Parliament.”
“My God,” Mrs Bennet murmured.
At that moment, Kitty knocked at the door and tried to look in.
“What are you doing there?” Mrs Bennet cried, jumping from the armchair to prevent her daughter from entering. “Go back to your sisters. We shall come presently for dinner.”
Kitty withdrew, and Mrs Bennet resumed her seat.
“And you are certain all this will succeed?” Mr Bennet asked.
“Yes, sir. I have every reason to believe that each stage will be resolved in my favour. There will be gossip in London, certainly—but also, I hope, some degree of sympathy. My intention to remarry will show that I mean to continue my life as before.”
He paused, then added,
“It is important that Elizabeth come to London this Season. With the support of our families, she may be properly introduced. The Bingleys are already connected to such circles, and through them—and through my own family and acquaintance—her presence will appear entirely natural.”
“So elegant and intelligent a young lady,” he continued, “will attract notice in her own right.”
“So much so that she may find a husband with fewer difficulties,” Elizabeth said, looking at him.
“Lizzy!” Mrs Bennet cried, while Mr Bennet only smiled faintly.
“Let them laugh,” he said. “For a time, it may be all they are allowed.”
Then, more seriously,
“If I understand correctly, Lizzy will remain in London with her sister for the coming months.”
“Yes, sir—if you consent.”
“I see no objection. She is always welcome with the Bingleys. You will attend the same engagements, and by the end of the Season, it will be clear that your intentions are fixed.”
“Yes, sir. And in the event that anything should happen to me—”
