Mrs Quinton, the housekeeper was waiting for them at the foot of the grand marble staircase. She smiled at Elizabeth and nodded her approval, “Well done miss, somebody needs to remind that man about the treasure that he has ensconced in this house and it is not Lady Catherine.”
She then directed the ladies to Jane’s bedroom. The woman was remarkably friendly for one who had worked so many years for the unbearably rude Lady Catherine.
“Here we are Miss Bennet, I hope you will be comfortable and if there is anything you need, please let me know. But avoid making your requests known to the lady of the house, or your need will go unanswered.” She chuckled.
As soon as Mrs Quinton left the room Jane looked at her sister curiously, “So, Lizzy, you seem to be keeping some secret.”
“Secret? Surely not.” Elizabeth laughed nervously.
“Oh Lizzy you are so bad at lying.” Jane said with a loving smile.
“Oh Jane I missed you so much.” Elizabeth took one step towards her sister and hugged her again.
“I missed you too. But surely that is not why you asked me to come to Rosing's Park so urgently.”
“No indeed it is not.”
“What is the real reason then?” Jane asked, turning to the large bed and patting the space beside her for her sister to sit down.”
“Very well, it would be cruel to surprise you with him when we go down to dinner.”
“Him?” Jane said with a mischievous smile.
Elizabeth nodded slowly. “Yes, him.”
“Who?”
“Mr Bingley!”
Jane paled and looked as if she might faint. “Oh Lizzy, please do not be cruel, I do not deserve your mockery.”
“Oh my beloved I am not mocking you. It is true, Mr Bingley is here.”
Jane went from pale to beet red, “Mr Bingley? Here? How?”
“Mr Darcy!”
“Mr Darcy?”
“Precisely!”
“You know Lizzy, I really hate when you are vague. Do you really, truly believe that I can read your mind?” Jane said more firmly than Elizabeth thought possible.”
“You are right; I am being vague, am I not?”
Jane simply glared at her sister.
Elizabeth chuckled, “You know, you look even more beautiful when you are incensed. You should try it more often.”
“Elizabeth Rose Bennet!” Jane said placing both fists on her hips in extreme annoyance.
“Oh very well, now I know I am in real trouble,” she chuckled, “well let us start by saying that Mr Bingley is here as a guest of Mr Darcy.”
Jane looked at her sister blankly.
“So have you got something you wish to say to that? Mr Bingley is here.” Elizabeth repeated.
“Why would Mr Darcy invite Mr Bingley to come here and more to the point, why would you ask me to come here also?”
