Chapter 35
“Vexing man,” Jane lowered her hairbrush and looked at Elizabeth, one eyebrow arched. Now that the Bennet girls were daughters of an Earl. With the corresponding substantial increase in her father’s income. Both from the land at Netherfield as well as letting out the various properties bestowed on the new Earl by the Prince Regent. The elder girls each had a ladies maid of their own. But once they had been assisted out of their evening attire they had dismissed them. Elizabeth and Jane sat now in their shared sitting room. Readied for bed but wanting to have time away from the rest of the family to speak as they used.
“He was ashamed to be seen with us,” she said. “If he feels thus I don’t know why he insists on calling all the time and spending so much time in our company.”
“I think you quite misread him Lizzy,” Jane said. “He has been the most amiable of companions since we have come to town.”
“Yes, amiable indeed when none that know him from town are present,” she fumed. “You saw how he tried to hide whenever any gentlemen came near.”
“I think it very likely he did not wish you share you with any of his companions.”
“Share me? He pays as much attention to you and Mary as he does to me,” Elizabeth said not realising that her tone hadbecome plaintive. “Teasing, teasing man! I will think no more about him,” she said in exasperation. She remained silent for a good ten minutes. Before she continued. “What can he mean to be calling on us so often?”
Jane laughed, “I think you know well what he means by it, but you are not yet willing to admit it.”
“Oh what has become of my sweet sister Jane,” Elizabeth said, playfully swatting her with a cushion.
Jane dodged the cushion and laughed again. She reached for Elizabeth’s hands and pulled her down beside her on the settee. “My dearest sister, now pleasebeserious. I want to talk very seriously. Let me know everything that I am to know without delay. Will you tell me do you love him?” she asked and Elizabeth turned quite serious.
“I hardly know, my feeling have changed so gradually, that I hardly know how I feel.” She then frowned and continued, “you do not know what I said to him in Kent,” she confessed. “I could not really wish for any renewal of his attentions, after all that has been said between us. I must be content with his friendship and think no more of him.”
“I do not think all is lost Lizzy,” Jane said. “But pray be sure of your feelings before you encourage any renewal of his proposals. It would be most heartless to allow him to believe that he might win your hand if you are decided against him.”
Elizbeth let that advice sink in and nodded in agreement. She would determine her feelings for Mr Darcy, whether he intend to win her or not.
Lydia brought the conversation to an end by banging in through the door to the hallway without even a knock. She was dragging Mary behind her and Kitty was taking up the rear. Lydia’s manners had improved dramatically since Mrs Featherworth had joined their household. But every now andthen, in the privacy of their own home, the old Lydia showed up.
“Tell her it is so Lizzy,” Lydia instructed.
“I would do as you wish Lydi, if I knew what I am to tell whom?” she enquired.
“Mary,” she said, “tell Mary that Colonel Fitzwilliam is courting her.” she instructed, pointing at Mary. Who was smothered in blushes and looking at her feet.
“He is not courting her,” Elizabeth said, and Mary’s eyes darted to her. Her mouth turned down in disappointment. But Elizabeth continued, “he is paying her marked attention. Such as is the precursor to a request for a courtship.”
“Really?” Mary asked, her eyes lighting up but her tone uncertain.
“See, see,” Lydia said, not waiting for Elizabeth to respond further. “I told you so,” she said in triumph.
“And what of Mr Darcy,” Lydia said and Elizabeth groaned. And much laughter and teasing ensued before Jane put her foot down and sent her younger sisters back to their bed chambers.
