I must confess my surprise at learning that she was not ill, but only pretending. That does not accord with my understanding of her character, yet I see now that she must have been greatly distressed by the plans Mrs. Bennet was forming on her behalf. Tell Jane that had I known she believed I would permit her to marry Mr. Goulding, I should have acted more quickly to put an end to my wife’s designs.
You have my thanks for all you are doing for Jane and Lydia. Send Lizzy back to me as soon as you are able.
Regards,
Thomas Bennet
Jane wiped tears from her eyes as Madeline Gardiner finished reading the letter aloud.
Elizabeth grumbled. “How dare he suggest that Jane overreacted, and claim that he would never have permitted our mother to plan such a match. I begged him to act to save Lydia from that blackguard, and he would not lift a finger. Now, he expects us to believe he would have acted for Jane. I do not believe it.”
Jane spoke through her tears. “He has always allowed Mamma to have her own way, and he would have done so again with Mr. Goulding. It makes me think she would rather see me dead than lose her security and her home when our father dies.”
Elizabeth’s voice was sharp with anger. “Mamma has no scruples, and Papa no resolve, and it is we who are made to suffer.”
Lydia sat quietly, listening as her sisters spoke against their parents. At last, she said, “Lizzy, I have always believed you were Papa’s favorite, yet today you speak ill of him. I do not understand.”
“I have loved Papa with my whole heart, Lydia, but I have learned through his failure to bestir himself on our behalf that he does not truly love any of his daughters. He values his own comfort above all else. Do not expect him to act, for he will not. That is not love. It is selfishness.”
Lydia then turned to Jane. “You are Mamma’s favorite. You can do no wrong in her eyes, yet today you say she does not care whether you live or die. Can this be true?”
Jane met her gaze. “I am very angry with our mother. She meant to marry me to Mr. Goulding, a man who has likely broughtabout the deaths of his two wives. She knows the gossip as well as anyone, yet she planned the match regardless. She would have sacrificed me to preserve her own comfort. I am angry for what she has made me endure these past days.”
Mrs. Gardiner listened in silence as the elder Bennet sisters spoke. When they had finished and found themselves with nothing further to say, she observed, “I hope this does not sound too trivial, in light of all that has passed, but you have nothing suitable to wear to Mr. Bingley’s dinner tomorrow. We have time to visit my modiste. Clara often has gowns that were ordered and never claimed. Let us see whether we may find something appropriate for dining out.”
Lydia remained behind with Edward and his nurse while the two elder sisters accompanied Mrs. Gardiner to her modiste. Mrs. Clara Duvall had only six ready-made gowns, but fortunately for the sisters, there was one that suited the color of Jane’s eyes, and Elizabeth chose one in rose that complemented her complexion. The gowns were fitted, and Madame Duvall assured them the necessary alterations would be completed by the following day.
They then purchased underclothes, shoes, and stockings for Jane, as she had brought nothing but her nightclothes, hairbrushes, and a few small necessities. When all was settled, they returned to Gracechurch Street, took a light supper, and retired for the night.
Jane crept into Elizabeth’s bed. “Lydia did not throw a mighty tantrum as she is accustomed to do at home, when Aunt advised that only you and I were going shopping.”
Elizabeth laughed quietly. “Lydia knows that Aunt Maddie will not tolerate inappropriate behavior.” They continued conversingin low voices about their parents and their many failings until exhaustion overtook them both and they fell asleep.
The following day, Elizabeth convinced Jane and Lydia to walk with her in a nearby park, after which they returned to the Gardiners’ home and spent an hour playing with little Edward. Mr. Bingley sent his groom with a note to Gracechurch Street, informing them that his carriage would arrive to collect the ladies at half past six.
Their gowns were delivered before noon, and the two sisters tried them on to ensure the fit. The gowns proved well-fitted, and when all was settled, the three ladies went upstairs to rest in preparation for the evening.
At precisely half past six, Mr. Bingley’s carriage drew up before the house, and the ladies were handed inside.
Elizabeth turned to her sister and, laughing, said, “If Mr. Bingley does not fall in love with you this evening, then I am no judge of character.”
“Lizzy, he may as easily fall in love with you. Allow me to meet the gentleman before you dispose of me so readily.”
“He is suited to you,” Elizabeth replied. “He is amiable, soft-spoken, and kind. His hair is not unlike yours, though his is touched with red and yours is of a purer gold. He reminds me of you, in both beauty of mind and of form, and for that reason, I believe him to be your perfect match.”
All three women were laughing at Elizabeth’s raptures when the carriage entered Mayfair, where the streets were broad and the houses large and imposing. The ladies fell silent as they progressed along the street until the carriage came to ahalt before a handsome townhouse, neither the largest nor the smallest among its neighbors.
They were handed down and shown into the front hall. As they removed their outer garments, Mr. Bingley came around the corner and halted at the sight of them. His gaze fixed upon Jane, and whatever greeting he had intended remained unspoken.
Elizabeth observed him with satisfaction. She had seen such a reaction in other men upon first meeting Jane. She then looked to her sister and found her equally affected, standing as though struck dumb and insensible to her surroundings.
Elizabeth smothered a laugh. It was exactly as she had predicted.
Mr. Darcy appeared moments later, and Mr. Bingley recovered himself enough to offer his welcome. Mrs. Gardiner then made the necessary introductions.
Mr. Bingley offered his arm to Jane, and Mr. Darcy escorted Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth, one on either arm. They were shown into a drawing room of generous size, elegantly furnished, where a woman with copper colored hair sat at the pianoforte, engaged in a demanding sonata. All took their seats in silence until the piece was concluded, after which Mr. Bingley presented the ladies to his family.
During the introductions, the pianist rose and approached Mr. Darcy, slipping her arm through his. Elizabeth observed that she was a tall, full-figured woman with a narrow waist and flaring hips, and that she stood nearly eye to eye with Mr. Darcy. She pressed herself against him, staking her claim. Her voice was lowered to an intimate tone, but his expression remained unreadable. The lady did not appear satisfied with his response.
