Page 39 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Caroline cast a sidelong glance at Elizabeth, then said, “And I know just the manor where it would look best.”

The sisters looked at their friend with interest.

“Pemberley, in Derbyshire. That is where I shall live when the gentleman of my dreams makes me an offer.”

Elizabeth said, “Pray, tell us the whole of it. When is the wedding?”

Caroline flushed.

“He has made no offer, though it is not for want of trying on my part.”

Hill entered carrying a fresh pot of tea, and the moment of confidence passed. As they settled to their tea, Caroline raised her eyes and, gesturing toward the fireplace, asked, “Will Jane not take her fire screens and framed embroidery with her when you leave?”

Elizabeth considered the question.

“We had not thought of it, but since the house will pass to unknown tenants who may not appreciate such work, perhaps we should.”

Mary said, “We shall take them, Lizzy. We can wrap them in Holland covers, and they will keep in Aunt Phillips's attic until Jane has a home of her own.”

Kitty added, “I shall help her cover them, Lizzy, so they will not be ruined.”

A faint smile touched Elizabeth's lips. “Why should Jane not take a little of her history with her? We shall have Mr. Hill move them this very afternoon.”

* * *

Mr. Bingley escorted Jane into the garden. When they reached the hermitage, he stopped and faced her. Taking both her hands in his, he said, “Miss Bennet... Jane, I know this is most untoward, but I cannot allow this opportunity to pass without speaking my mind. We have known one another for only a short time. We met on the sixth of July, and today is but the twenty-sixth of August. Though only seven weeks have passed, I feel as though I have known you all my life. Jane, when I am with you, I feel as though I have come home.”

He broke off when tears filled her eyes. He offered her his handkerchief and waited while she dried them.

“Jane, I cannot imagine a future that does not include you. Will you accept my hand in marriage and allow me the privilege of loving and protecting you all my days?”

“Sir, it would be my heart's greatest desire to become your wife, but...” She pressed the handkerchief to her face and sobbed as if her heart would break.

He waited, concern upon his countenance.

“Sir, I cannot accept your suit because my family has been ruined. I am ruined.”

She lifted her eyes to his. His expression had grown grave.

“What is the nature of your ruin, ma'am?”

Ma'am? Only moments before, she had been Jane. Already, the distance between them had begun to widen.

“Sir, I shall tell you, because if I do not, I could never live with myself. I only ask that you keep it in confidence.”

She patted her eyes with his handkerchief.

“When I first met you and discovered our feelings inclined in the same direction, I thought I ought to end our acquaintance before we became too attached. But though I tried, I could not. I kept telling myself, receive one more visit from him. See him one more time. And now here we stand, seven weeks later, and this will break us both.”

She wept again and buried her face in his handkerchief.

“Please, Miss Bennet. Tell me the nature of the ruination so that I may understand what stands between us.”

She raised her eyes to him in order to see how her tale of ruin and disgrace would affect him.

“I have five sisters, sir.”

He inclined his head. “Yes. You recently lost one to an early death.”