Mrs. Hill withdrew, and the sisters spoke at length of what such an arrival might portend. At last, Jane looked at Elizabeth with a mixture of hope and restraint.
“Lizzy, he is coming, and I believe in my heart that he is coming for me. It is a beautiful dream, and for today at least, I shall permit myself to cherish it.”
After dinner, Mr. Bennet excused himself and withdrew to his chamber for the night. Elizabeth supported him upon her arm as he ascended the stairs, yet her thoughts were wholly engaged elsewhere. She was thinking of Mr. Darcy.
Surely, he would be invited to the ball in celebration of Mr. Bingley’s establishment as a landed gentleman. In that case, he would accompany his friend into the neighborhood and make a call at Longbourn in the course of ordinary civility.
The prospect was slender, yet it sufficed. Elizabeth felt her spirits revive, and she permitted herself, for the moment, to look toward the future with something of her sister’s anticipation.
Two weeks had passed slowly for the sisters. On this lovely morning, they sat in the rose garden, enjoying the season’s blooms. Elizabeth was arranging freshly cut roses in a vase when Jane noted, “Those, and the damask roses, were among Mamma’s favorites.”
Elizabeth answered sadly. “It is a pity that I possess so few kindly recollections of our mother. I am more disposed to resent her contrivances than to dwell upon her virtues.”
She studied her sister’s countenance. “Has Mr. Goulding been importuning you again, my dear?”
Jane groaned. “I believe that man has nothing in the world to occupy him but to linger about Meryton, waiting for unsuspecting young ladies to stray within his reach.”
Elizabeth grimaced. “The man is off-putting. What did he do?”
“He approached me and offered his escort to whatever establishments I might have occasion to visit. This is the first time he has actually approached me. Until now, he has watched me from a distance, but he is emboldened, and I could scarcely command myself. I wished to declare that he was nearly thirty years my senior and must see that a woman of my age could not possibly find him eligible, yet I merely declined, saying I was on my way to call upon Uncle Phillips, and I fled. Though I had intended to procure fabric for the kitchen towels Cook requested, I abandoned the errand and went directly to our uncle.”
“And what passed there?”
“He was surprised to see me, and inquired whether Papa’s health had declined. I assured him Papa was well, and explained that Mr. Goulding had addressed me. Lizzy, you should have observed Uncle’s expression. He said, ‘I believe I comprehend the matter. Your mother informed Clara that she intended to write to Mr. Goulding offering your hand. She must have dispatched the letter before her death.’”
Anger rose in Elizabeth’s breast. “Oh, how could she?”
“As you may imagine, Lizzy, I was struck silent, but finally asked what I ought to do. I confessed that Mr. Goulding’s attentions were unwelcome. Uncle declared he would speak to him and make it plain that Papa would never sanction the match.”
Jane’s composure gave way, and tears fell unchecked. “Lizzy, what if my reputation is injured by this affair?”
Elizabeth rose and said firmly, “I do not believe your reputation will suffer, Jane. It was never an engagement. He did not make you an offer, you did not accept one, and therefore you have not broken faith nor cried off from any understanding.”
Jane’s tears subsided, and she looked at her sister with returning composure. “Yes, that is true. This must have taken place soon after I departed for London, else she would have proclaimed it in triumph. She acted while I was absent, knowing full well the reason for my escape. Lizzy, Mamma was shameless. How is it possible for one to remain so angry with a woman who is no longer among the living?”
Elizabeth grimaced. “She was no different from many a mother anxious to see her five daughters advantageously settled. Wemust endeavor to forgive her anxiety for our welfare. She believed she was acting for the best.”
Jane conceded reluctantly. “She was sorely pressed, with five daughters without dowries and a husband who was on the brink of death. But she was encouraging the attentions of a man, whom half the world suspects of having hastened the deaths of his two former wives. I confess I am sorely tried.”
They were still commiserating when Hill appeared at the turn of the path.
“Mr. and Miss Bingley, and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst.”
The sisters rose at once and made their curtsies. Miss Bingley regarded Elizabeth with an expression of marked displeasure.
Mr. Bingley bowed with warmth, then, observing Jane more closely, said, “Miss Bennet, from your dress I am led to conclude that you have sustained a loss within your family.”
Jane motioned toward the chairs and invited their visitors to take a seat. “Yes, sir. Our mother passed away in April.”
“I am grieved to hear it. Having myself been deprived of both parents, I know how severe such a loss must prove. I hope you are supported by your friends. How do you go on?”
A faint color rose in Jane’s cheeks, yet she met his gaze with composure. “I am very well, sir. I did not expect to recover so quickly, yet because I have my sister Lizzy beside me, we go on very well.”
“I am heartily glad to hear it.” He took her hand. “Miss Bennet, I had intended to give a ball in July to mark my purchase of Netherfield. Yet if I defer it until October, you will be six months advanced in your period of mourning. Perhaps you might attendmy ball in half mourning. You need not dance, but only favor us with your presence.”
Jane's eyes glowed with pleasure. “I should like that very much, sir.”
The Bingleys and the Hursts remained for half an hour before rising to depart, prompted by Miss Bingley, who declared to her brother that they had trespassed long enough upon the sisters’ hospitality.
