“Indeed, it was,” Darcy said, following behind him.
Mr. Oliver opened the door and greeted them as they entered. The gentlemen removed their hats and gloves then headed upstairs.
Before they parted ways, Darcy slapped Bingley on the shoulder. “Congratulations, Bingley, you had a successful debut into local society tonight.”
Bingley gave a silent chuckle. “Thank you, Darcy, and thank you for your support.”
“Not at all, my friend, not at all,” Darcy said.
“Do you think Papa will do anything about Lydia?” Jane asked.
Elizabeth sighed. “I do not know, but her conduct and her attitude are getting worse and worse. I hate to think what may happen if he does not check her.
Jane nodded and looked across the room. Her thoughts were clearly elsewhere.
After preparing for bed, Elizabeth had come to Jane's room to discuss the details of the evening. She could tell her sister was not quite herself.
“Did you enjoy the assembly?” Elizabeth asked.
“I did. It was nice to have so many gentlemen to dance with. What about you?”
“I think this was one of the most enjoyable assemblies we have had in a long time. And, as you say, it was due in large part to the gentlemen present.”
“Indeed, it was a marked difference,” Jane said.
“How was supper with your companion, Mr. Lindsey Hadley? I am sure it was amusing.”
“Oh yes! He was very entertaining,” Jane said with a smile. “I enjoyed spending time with him.”
Jane’s smile slowly faded, and she looked down at her fingers. Elizabeth watched her closely.
“What is it?” she asked.
“I think I have been foolish, Lizzy,” Jane said quietly.
“Foolish? How?”
“I allowed myself to hope something would develop between Mr. Bingley and me. That first day in the bookshop, we seemed to connect in a way I thought held promise. I realize now I was wrong. Clearly, the feelings were one-sided, all on my side,” Jane said, looking back down to her fingers again.
"What makes you say that, Jane?"
"He does not behave as a man who wishes to pursue me. He is attentive to me at times, but he is not consistent. When we first met, he spoke with me almost exclusively. But when we called at Netherfield, he spent his time conversing with you. Then, when we took our leave, he escorted Mary to the carriage. Tonight, he did request a set with me, but other than that, I did not really spend much time in his presence.
“Maybe the feelings are not one-sided, but for some reason, he has chosen not to act on them,” Elizabeth said. “I know you and I could come up with several possible reasons why.”
Jane looked thoughtful for a moment, then said, “I suppose the most obvious one would be that he wants a well-dowered bride.”
“Or, maybe it is about his standing in society. Though he is wealthy, he is the son of a tradesman. He may want to elevate his status beyond merely marrying the daughter of a gentleman.He may want to form an alliance with a prestigious family,” Elizabeth suggested.
“Or he could already have an understanding with another woman. He could even be courting her.” Jane’s brows drew down.
Elizabeth chuckled. “Or, he may simply not be ready to take on the responsibility of a wife and family. Really, who knows if it is one or two of these reasons or none of them? The point is, you should not assume there was nothing between you simply because he is doing nothing about it. Considering our circumstances, Jane, we will likely face this again and again until each of us meets a man who can look beyond these things.”
One very significant thing a gentleman would need to look beyond was their mother's well-meaning interference. Several years ago, Mr. Jeffries, an acquaintance of Uncle Edward's, was enamored of Jane. They had met the gentleman while staying with their aunt and uncle. He called on Jane several times a week for two weeks. But then Mama came to town "to direct things". It was not long before Mr. Jeffries stopped calling.
“You are right, Lizzy. I must prepare myself for the likelihood of encountering this type of situation repeatedly, especially when we go to town."
“Fortunately, we will have Aunt Madeleine there to guide us.”
