“According to Mr. Bingley, he questioned only the depth of my regard.” Jane smiled and added: “Though he was in error, you must acknowledge that I do not display my feelings openly—it is no surprise that Mr. Darcy did not see my regard.”
“Perhaps,” said Elizabeth, unwilling to attribute anything good to that man. “But it was not his place to judge. To say as much was officious at best.”
“I suppose it was,” said Jane. “Yet I cannot resent the gentleman for stating his opinion. Miss Bingley’s actions, however, are another matter altogether.”
“What did she say?”
Jane sighed. “Miss Bingley told her brother that I had not written to her. Furthermore, she claimed a knowledge of my sentiments, informing Mr. Bingley that I had told her in confidence that I did not welcome him.”
“How did he discover it?”
“Miss Bingley carelessly left my correspondence where Mr. Bingley could find it. He was disgusted when he realized his sister was lying to him.”
Offended on her sister’s behalf, Elizabeth said: “I am not surprised she would stoop to falsehood, Jane. Though I do not wish to add to your distress, I have always considered her high in the instep. Miss Bingley, though she professed friendship, never considered you good enough for her brother.”
“In that, you appear to be correct.”
Silence fell for several moments, each sister considering the situation, the gentleman who had returned, and those who had remained behind. Now that she had the account from the man’s mouth, Elizabeth knew her sister could no longer doubt the truth of Miss Bingley’s character, and for that, she could only be grateful.
“Then what do you think of the situation?” asked Elizabeth when it appeared her sister was not inclined to speak again.
“If you are asking if I will trust Miss Bingley, the answer is no. Not until she proves herself to me; given her offense, it will take some time before I shall take her expressions of friendship as sincere.”
“That is the most unforgiving speech I have ever heard from you, Jane. Good. I would not have you misled by Miss Bingley again.”
“I shall not, Lizzy.” Jane paused. “To own the truth, I do not anticipate having Miss Bingley as a sister. How can I be comfortable with my husband’s sister in my house when she has proven herself to be this calculating?”
Elizabeth was not certain whether to be more surprised at Jane’s clear understanding of the potential problems or her assertion that shewouldbe Mr. Bingley’s wife. When she voiced this thought, Jane gave her a serene smile.
“I do notknowthat Mr. Bingley will propose, Lizzy, but his return without his family and such tales on his tongue is suggestive, do you not think?”
“Yes, I do. But you have a habit of insisting a man is paying no special attention to you.”
“In this instance, I think that is now beyond dispute.”
Jane shook her head. “With respect to Miss Bingley, Mr. Bingley all but assured me that he will not listen to his sister. Though he did not speak openly, I understood that his sister would not hold sway in his house. With that, I must be content. While she may live with us, I shall be the mistress of the house, and Mr. Bingley will check her if she becomes too bold.”
“Then I cannot be happier for you, Jane,” said Elizabeth.
She rose to kiss her sister’s cheek, then, with a smile, she returned to her room. Though Jane had not said as much, she suspected that not only had Miss Bingley not returned with herbrother, but she was not welcome at Netherfield for the moment. That was good, for the woman could make trouble if she were to come unannounced.
As for Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth could not say. If the gentleman came, Elizabeth suspected that Mr. Bingley would not turn his friend away. Mr. Darcy, no doubt, would wish to change his friend’s mind. Thus, Elizabeth would not be surprised if the gentleman came to Netherfield when least expected.
Chapter II
Resolved though he was to go to Hertfordshire at once, Darcy found himself delayed. First, his banker requested a meeting that could not wait; then his man of business contacted him on another matter altogether. In the end, it was three days before Darcy could extricate himself from London.
The night before he was to depart, he was in the sitting-room with his sister while she played the pianoforte, half listening to her while concentrating most of his attention on Bingley and what he would find in Hertfordshire. Had he been paying attention, he would have understood how his sister saw his distraction.
“Is there some particular need for you to return to Hertfordshire?” asked Georgiana, taking her seat next to him.
Though startled from his thoughts, Darcy did not hesitate to respond. “Bingley has returned.”
Georgiana regarded him as if confused. “Is that a problem?”
Shaking his head, Darcy said: “No, it is not. Netherfield is Bingley’s leased estate; he may return to it any time he wishes.”
“Yet, Miss Bingley is to stay in London,” said Georgiana, as if trying to understand.
