“I do not know.” Jane said thoughtfully.
“I must say Jane, Mr Bingley could do with a bit more of a backbone.”
“Yes I suppose he must grow up a little and stand on his own two feet. I understand he simply followed the advice of his family and friends, who thought I did not care for him as he cared for me.” Jane said attempting to minimise the young man’s fault in the affair. “It is nobody’s fault... just a misunderstanding.”
As usual, Elizabeth noticed, Jane would try to clear everybody of any wrongdoing, forgiving all their part in separating the two of them. But Elizabeth was not as nearly as forgiving, “Mr Bingley is his own man and I must say I am a little disappointed in knowing that he loved you but did nothing to seek you out, instead allowing others to dictate how to feel and how to act.”
“Yes...” Jane agreed sadly.
Elizabeth perceived with a pang of self-reproach that the brightness from moments before had gone from Jane’s countenance. And she could not but condemn herself for having spoken her thoughts about Mr Bingley so unfeelingly. If Jane were content to bestow her affections upon a gentleman, a man somewhat naive and not always steadfast in his resolutions, by what right had she to object?
For herself she owned she wished for a different temper and character. She desired a man who understood his own heart; who when difficulties presented themselves would act with firmness and decision, who would not remain suspended in doubt when his own happiness was at stake.
Yet most perversely Mr Darcy’s countenance intruded upon her reflections. She shook her head at the absurdity of it. What claim had he upon her thoughts when she was but endeavouring to define her idea of the perfect husband?
They finished their meal in silence and soon after separated to their own rooms to think through all the events of the awful day.
***
In another part of the house, Anne de Bourgh felt, perhaps, for the first time in her life the necessity of taking charge of her life, while all remained in turmoil.
She understood that her mother might be in serious trouble and even more incredibly, that no one was going to replace her mother in terrorising her. The time for action was upon her and she determined that she would no longer be under the thumb of a tyrant, be it her mother or a husband.
So filled with uncharacteristic resolve and bravery she marched to the library and knocked firmly. She could hear Darcy and Richard inside making plans for the following day, the day when all would become solidified; when other officials including Lord Matlock would arrive to take charge of the situation and nothing might be altered.
She opened the door and entered, “I beg your pardon if I am intruding, but Richard, could I please have a few moments with Darcy?”
Richard got up and left the library without a moment’s hesitation.
Anne wasted no time but quickly and resolutely plunged into what she needed to say, “Darcy I know why my mother attempted to kill Miss Elizabeth. Poor Mr Collins was a fool and simply walked into the trap my mother had set up for the young lady.”
“What do you mean Anne?” Darcy asked alarmed.
“I know... we both know how my mother was always harping on about our marriage.”
“Yes she was but Anne...”
“Do not worry about it Darcy, for I came to realise a long time ago that my mother was deluded regarding a possible alliance between us.”
“You did?”
Anne rolled her eyes, “I am not blind, cousin, nor a simpleton however sickly I may be.”
“I never thought you were.”
“You love her.”
“Lady Catherine?” Darcy frowned, “as much as a nephew can love an aunt, but no more.”
“Miss Elizabeth!”
Darcy gasped in surprise and looked at Anne with a new sense of admiration, “How do you know that?” He finally sighed in resignation.
“As I said I am not a simpleton. But in your case all one needs is eyes to see how you look at the lady.”
“I see.” Darcy said, frustrated that everybody could recognise his love for Elizabeth but Elizabeth herself.
“I realised you never looked at me like that and to be perfectly honest I never looked at you like that either. In fact I do not believe I know the feeling.”
