“And this business has taken you seven weeks to complete?”
The question was mild, as was Jane’s wont, but Mr. Bingley sensed a hint of demand as she had intended. A man might bristle when called out by a woman, but Jane did not even consider backing down. By all appearances, Mr. Bingley hadreturned to pursue her—if he meant to do so, he must account for his behavior. If he could not see that, it would be kinder for them both if she sent him on his way.
“Well...” said Mr. Bingley, seeming uncertain of what to say.
“Mr. Bingley,” said Jane, her tone firm but gentle, “forgive me if I overstep, but I believe it is best that we understand each other. Am I mistaken to assume that you have returned to Netherfield to reestablish our acquaintance?”
Some of the joviality returned when he said: “Yes, that is correct.”
Jane nodded. “Then can I also assume that you have more than friendship in mind?”
Her open question took the gentleman aback, and Jane supposed it could be considered inappropriate or even forward for a woman to raise such a subject. But Jane would not—could not—back down. They needed to understand each other, and that understanding could not come about if she played the meek woman accepting a man’s attentions.
“Are you amenable?”
Jane considered the question—she did not lack understanding of her wishes, but it was important to reply correctly so there was no ambiguity between them.
“That depends, Mr. Bingley. My concern is not for us but the situation in which we find ourselves. If we speak openly, you will know my sentiments. I apologize, for I know it is not done, but I believe we need a clear understanding between us before we can proceed.”
Mr. Bingley considered this and nodded. “Then yes, if you are willing, I wish to proceed past friendship.”
“Very well,” replied Jane. “Then my question stands. When you departed, I had some notion that you meant to proceed in the direction you now appear fixed upon, but then you were absent for seven weeks. That absence has given rise to someconcerns we must address before I allow anything further. Will you not be explicit?”
“I might have expected this approach from your sister,” said Mr. Bingley.
Elizabeth, Jane noticed, was speaking with Mr. Darcy, their relaxed posture telling her it was more civil than their usual exchanges.
“Does that provoke you to reconsider?” asked Jane.
Mr. Bingley’s grin returned to his features. “Not at all. The telling will not make you think any better of me, but I shall do it with the hope that you will understand.”
“No one is perfect, Mr. Bingley,” said Jane. “Let us ensure we understand each other so we may build a stable foundation.”
“Very well,” replied Mr. Bingley. “I planned my journey to London the day after the ball, before I welcomed my guests that night. I offer my apologies—I had intended to inform you, but the matter quite escaped my memory. I intended to return to Hertfordshire after four or five days, so I did not concern myself about taking my leave.”
“Then something prevented your return?” asked Jane, trying to understand.
The smile fell away, replaced by careful neutrality. “Two days after my departure, my sisters and my friend joined me in London. Though I was surprised to see them, I was more shocked when they tried to dissuade me from returning to Netherfield.”
Jane considered this. “Mrs. Hurst has been nothing but kind since her return, and Mr. Hurst does not appear to concern himself with such things.”
A chuckle escaped his lips. “There you are correct—Hurst was not part of the discussion, and Louisa said only a little. Caroline and Darcy offered the most pressing arguments.”
“What can Mr. Darcy have to do on the matter?” asked Jane, looking across the room at the gentleman. It appeared Lizzy was correct about everything.
“Nothing other than a sincere concern for me,” replied Mr. Bingley. “Darcy said nothing against you—he only suggested that your attachment to me was not the equal of mine to you.”
Again, Jane paused to think about it. In time, she offered a slow nod.
“I can forgive Mr. Darcy for his mistake—Iamquite reticent.”
“Just so,” replied Mr. Bingley. “Caroline’s was the primary opposition to my return. I apologize for offending you, Miss Bennet, but Caroline declared you were unsuitable, and I suppose from her perspective, she was not incorrect. Caroline cares for nothing more than societal advancement and wealth.”
“And I can provide none of those things,” said Jane with a sigh.
“I would not say that,” replied Mr. Bingley. “Though I know nothing of your fortune, you are a gentleman’s daughter. Whether or not you boast connections to the nobility, in that respect, at least, you are my superior. I have not forgotten my origins as Caroline has so assiduously endeavored to do.”
“Then those considerations prevented your return.”
