Jane said, “If we could convince Mamma that I am truly ill, she might believe Lydia safer in London, away from the influenza.”
Mary frowned. “She will summon Mr. Jones.”
“Not if I refuse him. If I complain of aching eyes and pray only to be left in peace, so that I may rest, she may be convinced.”
Hope stirred. “Jane, you may easily feign the cough, the sore throat, and the weakness. Send your trays back to the kitchen nearly untouched.”
“And we shall bring you food in secret,” Mary said.
Elizabeth reasoned. “If Mamma believes this influenza is worse than what afflicted the Lucases last year, she may agree to send Lydia to Uncle Edward. I will persuade her to allow me to accompany our sister.”
Mary laughed, amused. “In this one respect, she will agree with you, for she is determined to see you married to our cousin. She will never risk your taking the illness. Pray, imagine such concern.” She lifted a brow. “I only hope I may keep Mamma from Jane’s bedside.”
“Tell her that if she sickens, she will be in no condition to receive Mr. Collins,” Elizabeth said. Then she rose and kissed Jane’s hand. “Take care, Jane. We shall contrive the rest as we are able.”
Chapter 4: Pretenses
Elizabeth prepared for bed, lost in thought. Could Jane be saved from Mr. Goulding? Many believed he had caused the deaths of both his young wives, though no evidence had ever been lodged against him.
The following morning, Elizabeth woke to find Mary looking down at her. “Lizzy, you sleep like the dead. I could not wake you.”
Elizabeth sat up at once. “What time is it? Has Mamma been to see Jane?”
“It is half past eight, and no. I convinced her to leave Jane in my care. Alice is cleaning the guest chamber, and Mamma has gone to Meryton to purchase new bed linens and a hip bath for the guest room. She says nothing but the best will do for the heir.”
Elizabeth rose and reached for her wrap. “Come, let us speak with Jane while she is out shopping. Where is Lydia?”
“She is with Mamma and Kitty. Lydia was eager to speak with Mr. Denny, another soldier of the militia.”
Elizabeth scowled. “That child knows every man in the regiment by name.”
She knocked upon Jane’s door, and they entered to find Jane sitting by the window.
“Jane, I was thinking. You are of age. You may refuse Mr. Goulding, and Mamma cannot force you.”
Jane blanched. “Lizzy, not even Papa, an intelligent, educated man, can refuse her. I do not believe I could withstand her mandates.”
Elizabeth replied, her voice earnest. “But she cannot compel you to marry him. Even if she forced you to the altar, should you refuse your vows, there is nothing she could do. You might warn her of this and ask whether she wishes to be made a spectacle before the neighborhood.”
Jane shuddered. “My name would become a byword. No man would ever marry me after such a spectacle as that.”
“I know,” Elizabeth said. “I do not urge you to do so. I merely wish you to know that you can say no. Let the knowledge soothe your spirits. I am certain Uncle Edward will assist us. Did you eat anything today?”
“Mary brought me eggs, bacon, and toast. I ate all of it, in case I am unable to obtain food when Mamma returns.”
Elizabeth turned to Mary. “How did you obtain the extra food?”
“I served the tray myself and said that I would eat at Jane’s bedside to watch over her. Alice brought Jane a tray of gruel.”
Jane laughed. “I took two spoonfuls and refused the rest.”
“And did you eat, Mary?” Elizabeth asked.
“Yes. I served myself a plate, piled high with food, and ate in the yellow saloon at the back of the house. It was so early that no one had yet come down for breakfast.”
Amused, Jane said, “This morning, I heard Mamma outside the door.” She mimicked her mother in voice and tone. “‘What do you mean I should not enter my dear girl’s room?’ Then I heardMary speaking, but it was muffled. After that, our mother went away.”
Elizabeth looked to Mary. “How did you persuade her to leave without a struggle?”
