When asked if she was aware what had happened with Mrs. Bennet, Jane shared that her father had sent her an express with the information. Elizabeth filled in the rest of the story, and Jane could only shake her head.
“Jane, we come bearing good news,” Elizabeth stated after the subject of Mrs. Bennet had been canvassed. “Before he departed, the Bishop granted you an annulment, so you are free and need not mourn that despicable man.”
“As you are no longer a Collins, what will you go by?” Darcy asked.
“Miss Jane is good enough,” Jane decided.
“If you discover you are with child, then the Bishop will need to be notified,” Elizabeth explained.
“Jane, what are your plans now?” Anne asked.
“It is my intention to seek a position in Hunsford so I may continue my work within the parish, at the very least until a new pastor is installed. If he does not have a wife then I will continue,” Jane stated adamantly.
“My father and mother, Uncle Edward and Aunt Maddie, want you to know you have a home at Netherfield Park if you want it,” Elizabeth told her surprised sister.
“Or with us at Pemberley,” Darcy added.
“I appreciate your offers, but I do not wish to abandon the people I have grown to love so much,” Jane informed the other three.
“May I propose a compromise?” Anne interjected. Jane nodded.
“You would agree with me you would be able to continue your work no matter where you live in the neighbourhood, would you not?” Anne asked.
“Yes, that is true,” Jane agreed.
“Then, as a favour to me, you will live with us at Rosings and be given the resources you need to continue you work without self-deprivation and sacrificing your own comfort,” Anne told an amazed Jane.
“Has Charlotte agreed to this?” Jane asked softly.
“She most certainly has.” Jane heard Charlotte’s voice from behind her. “Jane, you will be welcome here for as long as you choose to remain.”
“William and I will give you one hundred pounds a quarter in pin money,” Elizabeth arched her eyebrows to stem Jane’s objections. “That money is for you,notto be given away. You will have a further two hundred pounds per month to use as you see fit for those in need.”
“With such a sum, I can start a school,” Jane replied excitedly.
Accord was reached. Jane would be given the suite next to Anne and Mrs. Jenkinson. She agreed she would visit Netherfield Park and Pemberley on occasion. “We,” Elizabeth indicated the other four in the parlour, “are extremely proud of you Jane.”
Chapter 32
Less than four and twenty hours after the meeting which stripped her of her perceived power and wealth, Lady Catherine de Bourgh commenced the journey which would transport her to her new home, where she would live out the rest of her life.
If her mind had not already snapped before she was deposed, she certainly exhibited the signs of a break from reality after that meeting. After she returned to her chambers, she seemed to be in a catatonic state, not speaking a word to anyone and silently complying with any instruction.
The Earl of Matlock felt sadness for what had to be done. Before she became consumed by wealth, control, and power, his sister had been a very different person. He had no doubt he had done the only thing he could under the circumstances.
Now that the unpleasantness had been dealt with, the children and young ladies were summoned. The carriages with Mrs. Annesley, the governesses, and the nursemaids arrived the day after Lady Catherine’s departure. Bingley rode alongside with the outriders.
With her parent’s permission, Lydia had accompanied the Gardiner and Bennet siblings, Tiffany, Maria, and Giana. When they entered the drawing room, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia all stopped in their tracks as they saw Lizzy and Jane sitting together and holding hands.
The five sisters born to Thomas and Fanny Bennet made their way to a parlour, by silent consent. First Elizabeth and then Jane told the other three all that had transpired, including Jane’s apologies and Lizzy’s forgiveness.
To say the younger three were happy to regain all of their sisters as part of the family would be an understatement. “Mary, I understand that I need to wish you and Mr. Bingley happy,” Jane told Mary after hugs were exchanged and not a few tears had been shed. “If your Mr. Bingley will hear it, I need to beg his pardon for my unconscionable behaviour the last time he saw me.”
“He went to talk to William, so I am sure by the time we join the others in the drawing room he will be aware of the changes you have made,” Mary reassured her eldest sister.
“Unless we have anything else to discuss, I would like to return to my husband,” Elizabeth stated.
Once the sisters returned to the drawing room, Jane was introduced to Tiffany and Georgiana. Jane made her apology to her future brother, who accepted graciously, granting his complete and unreserved pardon.
