Elizabeth turned her head to look at her sister. "When did you become so wise?"
"When I learned that assuming the worst of people only leads to heartbreak." Jane's smile was small but genuine. "I spent months believing Mr. Bingley did not care for me. I was wrong. Perhaps you are wrong about Mr. Darcy as well."
"Perhaps," Elizabeth whispered.
But she did not sound convinced.
They blew out the candles shortly after, and Jane's breathing soon evened into sleep. But Elizabeth lay awake in the darkness for a long time, her mind full of questions that had no answers, and a confusion that only seemed to deepen with every passing hour.
Tomorrow, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy would call.
And perhaps—just perhaps—she would begin to understand who he truly was.
SEVEN
Bath, August 1812
Elizabeth
The new glow of Jane's reunion with Mr. Bingley did little to quiet the anticipation in Elizabeth's heart. It seemed all she longed for was the arrival of the gentlemen who had promised to call. She tried to tell herself that her eagerness was for Jane's sake—to see her sister's happiness secured—but she could not deny that she wanted to see Mr. Darcy as well, though she knew not what she would say to him, or what she would do if he spoke to her.
At breakfast, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner barely mentioned the previous evening, save to confirm that the gentlemen were expected to call.
Just after ten o'clock, a knock sounded at the door.
Elizabeth's heart gave an involuntary leap. She set down her teacup with more force than intended, the china rattling against the saucer.
Jane looked up, her cheeks already coloring.
"I believe that will be our visitors," Mrs. Gardiner said mildly, though her eyes sparkled with amusement.
The maid showed the gentlemen into the parlor. Mr. Bingley entered with barely restrained enthusiasm, his entire countenance brightening the moment he saw Jane. Mr. Darcyfollowed more sedately, though his eyes found Elizabeth almost at once.
"Good morning," Mr. Bingley said warmly. "I hope we do not call too early?"
"Not at all," Mrs. Gardiner assured him. "We are delighted to receive you. Please, sit."
The gentlemen took their seats—Mr. Bingley positioning himself as near to Jane as propriety allowed, Mr. Darcy choosing a chair that happened to afford him a clear view of Elizabeth.
Mr. Gardiner, who had been reading the newspaper, folded it and set it aside.
After pleasantries had been set aside and tea served, Mr. Gardiner started the conversation. "So, gentlemen, how long have you been in Bath?"
"Nearly a month now," Mr. Darcy replied. "I have been coming to Bath since I was a child—first with my father, and now as the one managing the estate."
“Do you reside upon the estate now?” Mrs. Gardiner asked, unable to suppress her curiosity.
“Yes, ma’am. Most of the rooms are let, but I keep a small portion for my own use whenever I visit. It is by no means grand—nothing to compare with Pemberley—but it serves me well enough.”
"Only business brings me to Bath," Mr. Gardiner said with a chuckle. "I have never had the luxury of keeping a second residence."
"This house is quite lovely, though," Mr. Bingley observed, glancing about the well-appointed parlor. "Better than many lodgings I have seen in Bath. How did you find it?"
"Through a friend," Mrs. Gardiner said. "She owns several properties in Bath and lets them during the summer months. We were fortunate she had this one available."
"It is very comfortable," Jane added softly.
"And well-situated," Mr. Bingley said, his eyes never leaving Jane's face. "Close to all the best walks and prospects."
