Mr. Bennet followed a moment later. His expression was one of considerable amusement. “My dear Mary,” he said, “I congratulate you. It appears you have secured a husband who is very much in earnest.”
Mary inclined her head with modest satisfaction.
“And,” Mr. Bennet added dryly, “as Mr. Collins has secured a wife who will listen to him with patience, I believe the arrangement promises mutual content.”
Elizabeth turned away to conceal her smile. Her mother’s greatest fear – that they might one day be turned from their home after their father’s death – now seemed unlikely to be realised. The morning, which had begun with disappointment and confusion, had ended with a result which none of them had anticipated.
***
Elizabeth saw at once that Jane was striving – very bravely – to preserve her composure for the sake of the others.
Jane had smiled, congratulated Mary warmly, and even answered Lydia’s noisy remarks with her usual gentleness. Yet Elizabeth knew her sister too well to be deceived. The smile had required an effort.
When Mary began explaining, with great seriousness, Mr. Collins’s reasons for selecting her, Elizabeth quietly crossed the room and touched Jane’s arm. “Come, Jane,” she said softly. “You must be tired after the walk.”
Jane looked at her gratefully and allowed herself to be led from the room.
They ascended the stairs in silence and entered Jane’s chamber. The moment the door closed behind them, the effort that had sustained her gave way.
Jane sank into a chair beside the window and covered her face with her hands.
Elizabeth knelt beside her immediately. “My dear Jane…”
Jane shook her head, trying to master herself, but the tears came despite her efforts.
“I thought… I had begun to hope,” she said at last, her voice trembling. “He had said he would be back.”
Elizabeth took her hand. “The letter was cruelly abrupt. Anyone would feel it.”
Jane tried to smile through her tears. “It is not cruelty,” she said gently. “Miss Bingley has always been very polite to me.”
Elizabeth made no answer.
Jane lowered her hands slowly. “She writes with great kindness. She assures me that their regard for our acquaintance remains unchanged.”
Elizabeth sat very still.
Jane continued, though her voice grew softer. “She also speaks of Miss Darcy. She says that her brother is particularly eager to renew his acquaintance with her… that their families have long wished them to be connected.”
Elizabeth’s expression hardened slightly.
“And Miss Bingley finds this prospect extremely agreeable, I suppose.”
Jane looked down. “She seems very certain it will take place.”
Elizabeth’s indignation rose at once. “How very convenient for her.”
Jane shook her head quickly. “No, Lizzy, do not blame her. It may very well be true.”
Elizabeth studied her sister’s pale face. “And what do you think?”
Jane hesitated. “I think… if Mr. Bingley’s affections were truly engaged, he would not leave without saying goodbye.”
The quiet honesty of the remark made Elizabeth’s heart ache.
Jane drew a steady breath, attempting again to compose herself.
“I must not be foolish. Miss Darcy is said to be very accomplished and amiable. She is also his sister’s particular friend. It would be a most suitable match.”
