“Pray, explain yourself, Miss Elizabeth. I am not obliged to wait upon my sister’s marriage before seeking a wife.”
Elizabeth met his gaze openly. “Are you certain, sir? A lady of Miss Bingley’s disposition might not readily relinquish authority in a household she has long considered her own. She could regard your future wife as an intrusion.”
He remained silent, reflecting. At length, he replied. “I must admit, Caroline takes great satisfaction in directing the servants and arranging every detail.”
“In that case, sir, it might be prudent to place her among relations in the north, where she may enlarge her acquaintance. A change of scene can often recommend new prospects. It is possible that she has found no one here who meets her expectations. In another circle, she might meet with a gentleman better suited to her views.”
Mr. Bingley regarded her with renewed consideration. “You offer sound counsel, Miss Elizabeth. I must give the matter serious thought.”
That night, Elizabeth slipped into Jane’s bed and propped her head upon her hand.
“Jane, I can scarcely believe that all has been set right, and that Mr. Bingley was not at fault. He did all he could to ensure you would wait for him. But that sister…”
Jane laughed. “Pray do not trouble yourself about Caroline, Lizzy. The truth is that he loves me, and he has returned to court me. He has all but confessed that he has purchased a home for us. Who could have imagined such a happy conclusion?”
The two sisters talked far into the night, and Elizabeth rejoiced to see her beloved sister so happy at last.
Chapter 31: Courtship
As Friday approached, Elizabeth found herself nearly incapable of applying her mind to any steady occupation. Two days before, she received a letter from Georgiana.
June 15, 1811
My brother has this day received an invitation from Mr. Bingley, requesting that we visit his new estate in Hertfordshire. He informs me it lies but three miles from Longbourn, and therefore I shall have the happiness of seeing you again later this week. We shall follow closely upon this letter, which will likely arrive only a few days before we do.
Fitzwilliam is to assist Mr. Bingley in arranging the estate's autumn management. He has explained to me in considerable detail, far more than I find engaging, that October is the proper season for planting winter wheat and rye. As Mr. Bingley is inexperienced in such matters, my brother will survey the fields with him, ensure they are properly plowed and amended, and confirm that the seed has been procured. He has also recommended that young stock be planted in the Autumn, particularly bare-root apples, pears, plums, and Moor Park apricots. Just thinking of these fruits makes me long to wander through the orchard, helping myself to the ripened fruit. They will have sufficient occupation throughout the autumn and winter.
Fitzwilliam permits me to bring my horse, that I may ride over to visit you each day, if you will allow it. I long to tell you more of Mr. W when we are together.
I continue to write to Miss Kitty. She does not find herself contented in Kent. She laments the want of companions of her own age and misses her former friends. She hopes to be permitted to return home before long. I wish it might be so that we might be reunited.
I look forward to our visit with the greatest anticipation. I expect it shall be highly satisfactory, excepting only the presence of Miss B. I close now, as we are soon to be together.
With affection,
Georgiana
Mr. Darcy was expected at Netherfield in two days. Mr. and Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley had not repeated their visit since their first call. Mr. Bingley had explained that they were fully engaged in preparing for the Darcys’ arrival, though Elizabeth suspected that Miss Bingley considered Longbourn beneath her notice. Mr. Bingley’s visits had certainly proved more agreeable in her absence, unaccompanied by criticism of their dress, conversation, or household arrangements.
That evening, Elizabeth asked, “Jane, has Mr. Bingley spoken again of his intentions for Caroline?”
“No. He was greatly disturbed, Lizzy. Though he acknowledged the justice of your observations, he finds it painful to wound his sister in so direct a manner.”
Elizabeth suppressed a sigh. Mr. Bingley’s amiability might yet prove a weakness. She hoped that Jane would, in time, learn to assert herself where necessary.
At dinner, Elizabeth addressed her father. “Papa, Kitty remains unhappy in Kent. Might we not send for her? The Collinses are newly married and may wish for some privacy. From Mary’s letters, it appears that she devotes much time to keeping Kitty contented and occupied. Should we not relieve them and allow Kitty to be useful here? Jane and I would ensure that she is properly employed.”
Mr. Bennet regarded her with a hint of amusement. “Lizzy, I believe that Jane will soon be the mistress of her own home. Her suitor seems determined to secure her hand.”
Elizabeth laughed. “That is very apparent, sir, and for that reason, Kitty will be of great assistance to me. She could accompany me on tenant visits. I should be glad of her company, and we might pursue further study in history and the use of the globes. We both stand in need of greater proficiency at the pianoforte, and I should insist upon regular practice.”
“Very well, my dear. Kitty may return home. I shall write to Mr. Collins and request that he come for a week if his patroness will allow it. He may return Kitty to us, and I also wish to examine the ledgers with him and instruct him more fully in the management of the estate, particularly as we prepare for winter planting.”
Elizabeth leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Papa. It is generous of you to guide your heir.”
“In guiding him, Lizzy, I secure provision for my married daughter and for any of my daughters who remain unmarriedafter I am gone. It is no more than my obligation to ensure he is capable of running the estate.”
On Friday morning, Elizabeth stood upon Oakham Mount, awaiting the sunrise, while Sparky occupied himself by barking at the squirrels.
