“Thank you, Mrs. Hill.”
The housekeeper inclined her head and withdrew.
Elizabeth turned slightly in her chair, angling her gaze so that she might better observe. Jane broke the seal with careful fingers, unfolding the paper with a small, thoughtful pause.
Her expression shifted—only slightly, but enough that Elizabeth noticed.
“Well?” Lydia asked, leaning forward with immediate interest from her place at the breakfast table.
Jane read the note once more before lowering it. “It is from Miss Bingley,” she said.
Mrs. Bennet’s attention sharpened at once. “From Miss Bingley? And what does she say?”
Jane hesitated, then answered with her usual composure. “She invites me to dine at Netherfield this evening.”
Lydia clapped her hands softly. “Only you?”
Jane inclined her head. “It would appear so.”
There was a brief pause. Elizabeth watched her sister thoughtfully.
“And does she say why?” Kitty asked.
Jane shook her head. “She does not. I am sure she merely wishes to be friendly.”
Mrs. Bennet gave a small, satisfied sigh, settling more comfortably in her chair. “My dear Jane, it is perfectly obvious,” she said. “Miss Bingley wishes to become better acquainted with the lady who has captured her brother’s heart.”
Jane’s lips curved faintly, though there was no true agreement in her expression. “I think that is rather a great deal to suppose,” she said.
“My dear, it is no such thing,” Mrs. Bennet insisted. “He danced with you twice. Twice! There can be no doubt of his preference.”
Jane did not argue. Instead, she folded the note and set it aside upon the table. “I shall consider my answer,” she said.
At the other end of the table, Mr. Collins cleared his throat. “It is not a matter requiring extended consideration,” he said. “You will, of course, accept.”
Jane turned toward him. “Will I?” she asked, her tone calm but not without firmness.
Mr. Collins nodded. “It is both proper and advantageous. Such an invitation ought not to be declined.”
Jane rested her hand lightly upon the back of her chair. “I have other matters that require my attention,” she said. “The household—Thomas—”
“These may be managed,” Mr. Collins interrupted, with mild impatience. “The other ladies of the house are perfectly capable of overseeing such concerns in your absence.”
Elizabeth felt a flicker of unease.
Jane did not immediately reply. For a moment, she stood very still, as though weighing something more than the simple matter of an invitation. Then she inclined her head. “Very well,” she said. “I shall accept.”
Mrs. Bennet beamed. “Of course you shall.”
Jane reached for the note once more. “I will have the carriage ordered for the afternoon,” she added.
Mr. Collins set down his fork. “I think not,” he said.
Jane blinked. “I beg your pardon?”
“I think it would be preferable,” he continued, “for you to ride.”
There was a moment of complete silence. “Ride?” Jane repeated.
