Nearly half an hour passed before Mr. Bingley rose.
“I must take my leave, for I plan to call upon the rector today and arrange for the banns to be read beginning this Sunday.”
The Bennet family accompanied their guests to the front of the house and watched as the carriage rolled away.
Jane straightened her shawl and turned to the house, but as Elizabeth made to follow her, Mr. Bennet detained her with a quiet inquiry.
“And what of you, Lizzy? When shall it be your turn? Mr. Darcy devotes a great deal of attention to you, my dear.”
A bloom of color rose in her cheeks, and Jane turned to listen. “To me, Papa? Mr. Darcy is my friend, nothing more. He entertains no thoughts of marriage toward me, sir. His sphere moves far above our own. If there is any particular attachment, it is on Georgiana’s part. Having neither mother nor sister, she has been eager for female companionship, and he indulges her.”
Mr. Bennet lifted his brows but pursued the matter no further, for which Elizabeth was sincerely grateful.
“Daughters, I propose that you both return to London to purchase the gowns you shall wear to the wedding, as well as Jane’s trousseau. Mr. Hill will drive you into Harpenden tomorrow to catch the mail coach.”
“Thank you, Papa.” Jane embraced her father and then set off to compose a note explaining her brief absence from Longbourn to Mr. Bingley. When it was sealed and given to Mr. Hill to deliver, the sisters went upstairs to pack a light portmanteau each.
Soon after they returned below and waited to be summoned to dinner, Mr. Bingley was announced.
“No, pray do not rise,” he said cheerfully. “I come only to request your permission, sir, to escort the two Miss Bennets to London. Mr. Darcy and I have business in town that requires our attention. If it meets with your approval, my carriage shall arrive at nine o’clock tomorrow morning to collect them. Darcy and I will ride our mounts, but Georgiana has begged to join the party, so the three young ladies will have one another’s company. We propose to remain two full weeks, so that I may return with the marriage settlement in hand, unless you prefer their earlier return.”
Mr. Bennet considered the proposal. “Yes, two weeks will answer. I will send an express to my brother so that he may expect my daughters.”
“Very good, sir. Until tomorrow, then.”
Mr. Bingley looked upon Jane with unguarded happiness as he took his leave. Elizabeth watched the exchange, drew near to her father, and entwined her arm in his. “I am truly happy, Papa.”
Chapter 34: Remorse
At eight o’clock the following morning, Jane and Elizabeth sat in the drawing room, awaiting the arrival of Mr. Bingley’s carriage, while Thomas Bennet remained in his office, reflecting upon Jane’s unexpected betrothal. When the knocker sounded at the door, he exerted himself to go to his daughters and bid them farewell.
The four young people stood within the entrance hall, the gentlemen waiting while Jane and Elizabeth donned their bonnets and outer garments.
He observed the manner in which Mr. Bingley regarded his daughter Jane, yet what impressed him more was the attention with which the typically reticent Mr. Darcy attended Elizabeth. The gentleman held her pelisse, then took up her gloves and handed them to her. He remained standing nearby while she drew them on.
What struck Thomas Bennet most was the expression on the gentleman’s countenance. There was unmistakable warmth and ardor. Bennet was convinced the man was deeply in love with Elizabeth.
Then he stiffened. The gentleman had spoken neither to her nor to her father of any intention of courtship. If he had no design of marrying her, what then was his purpose?
A chill passed through him. Might this wealthy gentleman be of the sort who trifled with a country girl’s affections, compromised her, and then disappeared without consequence? His mouth tightened.
As these thoughts occupied him, Darcy caught sight of Thomas Bennet and bowed. “Mr. Bennet.”
Charles Bingley, turning, also offered a bow and a greeting.
Bennet inclined his head in return. “Gentlemen. Ought I to send a servant to accompany my daughters as chaperone?”
Mr. Bingley was quick to answer. “No, sir. Miss Darcy is with us, as well as her maid. They are seated in the carriage.”
“Very good, Mr. Bingley. I am relieved to hear it.”
He stepped toward Jane and took her hand. “Goodbye, Jane.”
Then he turned to Elizabeth. “Goodbye, Lizzy. Take care among the undeserving.”
She laughed. “Papa, whatever can you mean? I go to Uncle Edward and Aunt Maddie. They are entirely deserving.”
Bennet lifted his eyes to Mr. Darcy, who colored and looked aside. He had caught the gentleman’s gaze fixed upon Elizabeth yet again. Such attention would be welcome if an engagement were intended, but in the absence of any declared purpose, Bennet found it disquieting. Was it a mistake to permit Lizzy to travel in his company?
