She met his look, uncertain how to answer, and for once without an immediate reply. “It is only prudent that I attend such matters.”
“Prudence is a virtue,” he agreed, “but it need not be solitary.” His tone remained mild. “In any case, you must promise that your next visit shall not be so brief. Bring Jane, if you may, or Mary. Your aunt would be delighted.”
Elizabeth smiled. “I shall attempt it, though Mama is at present resolved that Jane be much in Mr. Bingley’s company. She is determined upon the point.”
“I am well acquainted with my sister’s resolutions,” he said with quiet amusement. “They are not easily diverted.”
“It would be easier for Jane,” Elizabeth continued, “were Mama less intent upon securing a particular conclusion. I have endeavoured to assure her that we shall not be ruined if events proceed at their natural pace, but she does not easily relinquish a favourite scheme.”
Mr. Gardiner rose from the table. “Longbourn will not crumble because you are absent a few days,” he said mildly. “You may trust it to endure.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “If you insist, sir, I shall endeavour to remember it.” She rose as well. “I will go and take my leave of my cousins before I depart.”
He watched her a moment as she moved toward the door. “Do not forget, Lizzy,” he added quietly, “that you are valued for more than your accounts.”
She paused only an instant, as though the words had caught her unawares, then her expression softened. “You are very good to me, Uncle.” And with that, she headed upstairs.
***
Mr. Hill entered the drawing room and presented Jane with a letter upon his silver tray. Jane smiled and accepted it.
As he withdrew, she glanced at the seal. “Oh, it is from Miss Bingley.”
Mrs. Bennet leaned forward eagerly. “Well, open it, my dear. What does she say?”
Jane read silently for a moment, her expression softening. “She writes that the gentlemen are engaged to dine with the officers this evening and asks whether I might join her and Mrs. Hurst for dinner at Netherfield.”
“Of course you must go,” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed. “You shall answer at once, though it is a pity the gentlemen will not be present.”
Jane inclined her head. “I should be happy to attend.” She crossed to the writing desk, penned her note, and dispatched it with Mr. Hill before leaving the room.
When she returned, Mrs. Bennet waved her handkerchief decisively. “You must ride. Take Willow.”
Jane glanced toward the window where the clouds had already begun to gather. “Mama, it appears likely to rain.”
“Yes, indeed, and then you must remain the night,” Mrs. Bennet said eagerly. “What is the advantage of dining there if you do not see Mr. Bingley?”
“I should prefer that Mr. Bingley not see me standing in the hall dripping upon the carpet,” Jane replied gently.
“If you depart at once, you may arrive before the rain begins. Go, child. Make haste.”
Jane withdrew to prepare for her visit.
***
Elizabeth smiled as the carriage turned into the lane leading to Longbourn; It was a comfort to be home.
As the carriage drew up before the house, she observed Willow standing saddled near the steps, the bay gelding quiet and patient, his tack neatly arranged. A groom held the reins and touched his hat as she descended.
“Harris,” she said, glancing toward the darkening sky, “is Jane to ride out?”
“Yes, ma’am. She is invited to dine at Netherfield.”
“I see.” Elizabeth surveyed the clouds darkening. “The carriage is here and may be used instead. Pray return Willow to the stable.”
Harris hesitated only briefly before bowing and leading the horse away.
Elizabeth had scarcely reached the steps when Jane appeared.
