The exertions of the Netherfield ball had disordered the household entirely. Lydia and Kitty, who had nodded off in the carriage, were taken to their bed and slept with great determination. Mary had been awake earlier, but even she had delayed her morning practice at the pianoforte, judging that the rest of the house might not be disposed to profit from the study of music so soon after such festivities.
Mrs. Bennet had declared herself quite overcome with fatigue and remained comfortably in her room.
Elizabeth, however, had been awake for some time.
The events of the evening had followed her even into sleep, and after lying awake longer than she cared to admit, she at last rose and crossed quietly to her sister’s bedroom.
Jane was still asleep, her expression perfectly peaceful.
Elizabeth smiled a little and touched her arm. “Jane.”
Jane stirred and opened her eyes. “Lizzy? Is something the matter?”
“Nothing at all,” Elizabeth said. “Only I could not wait any longer to hear what passed between you and Mr. Bingley.”
Jane laughed softly and pushed herself upright against the pillows. “I suspected that might be the reason.”
“Well then,” Elizabeth said, settling herself at the foot of the bed, “you may save me the trouble of guessing.”
Jane hesitated only a moment. “He told me he must go to London for a few days.”
Elizabeth frowned slightly. “So soon?”
“Yes, but he assured me it would not be for long. Some business that requires his presence.”
“And when he returns?”
Jane’s colour deepened a little.
“He asked whether he might call at Longbourn.”
Elizabeth looked at her closely. “Call at Longbourn or call on you?”
Jane, as expected, reddened.
“Oh, Jane! And what answer did you give him?”
“At first, I told him that he would always be welcome here.”
Elizabeth frowned.
“But he said that was not quite what he meant,” Jane continued. “He already knew himself welcome in the house. What he wished to know was whetherIwould receive him.”
Elizabeth’s smile grew warmer. “And I trust you did not leave the poor man in suspense.”
Jane laughed again, though her cheeks were now quite pink.
“I told him that I should be very happy if he called.”
“Then I think Mr. Bingley must have gone to London in very good spirits,” Elizabeth said.
Jane regarded her with quiet amusement. “I believe he did.”
There was a brief silence before Jane added,
“But I observed something else as well.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “Did you indeed?”
