Page 110

“That was my thinking as well. Were it only one time, I would say that was true. Alas, there were other times.”

“My dearest Jane, in light of what you have said, how could you possibly have released Mr. Bingley from the engagement? Your actions are wholly incongruent with prudence and sound reasoning.”

“Lizzy, when I went to see him today, I assure you I did not go with the intention of breaking the engagement. How could I have known Miss Bingley would be there?”

“Does she know what you and her brother have done?”

“That, I cannot say. However, her reasons that I should break the engagement all centred on the scandal our family is embroiled in pursuant to Lydia’s shameful behaviour. Can you not see, Lizzy, my actions are no better than Lydia’s. If it were discovered that Mr. Bingley and I had anticipated our vows, would the shame be any less?”

Yes, Jane and Mr. Bingley have been reckless, but their actions were fuelled by love. The catalyst for Lydia and Mr. Wickham’s actions was anything but love—be it lust, wickedness, depravity—it was anything but love! She took her sister’s hand. “Your behaviour is not to be compared with Lydia’s. You and Mr. Bingley were to be married in a month. Lydia—heaven knows what is to be her fate.”

“Miss Bingley would disagree with you.”

“What does it matter what Miss Bingley thinks?”

“Then let me be clear, I do not agree with you. That is why I released Mr. Bingley from the engagement.”

Elizabeth took Jane’s hand. “Jane, I am struggling to understand why you would do such a thing—especially now, when there is all this uncertainty and so much at stake.”

“Can you not see that is the very reason I acted as I did? What Mr. Bingley and I did was foolish, but I accept more of the blame, for you see, he was reluctant. It was I who insisted and now, pursuant to the disgrace that Lydia’s action has brought to our family, I can only be all the more ashamed of my own.”

“Jane, I sincerely hope that this is resolved in a manner that finds you and Mr. Bingley reunited, for the alternative is unthinkable.”

“I have already given this matter a great deal of consideration. If there are unintended consequences as a result of what I have done, then I shall know how to act.”

“Will you go to Mr. Bingley?”

“No! To do so would make the shame of what I have done only worse, I fear.”

“Then what would you do?”

“As much as I would not wish to leave our family, I see there would be no other choice. I will not bring further disgrace upon my father’s home by giving birth to a child out of wedlock.”

Jane’s decree struck a chord of panic in Elizabeth’s heart. The sisters embraced. “Oh, Jane! My dearest, sweetest Jane, when did things go so wrong?”

CHAPTER 14

TIME AND CONSIDERATION

By the time Mr. Bennet recollected that Mr. Justin Caseman’s long-anticipated visit was imminent, it had been too late to dispatch a missive to postpone the gentleman’s travels. Before leaving for London, Mr. Bennet had but a few words of counsel for his second eldest daughter.

“My dear Lizzy, you must conceal the unhappy truth as long as possible, for I see no reason that this travesty with Lydia should affect your prospects for marriage, especially if it can be prevented should we discover her in time. None of this might even be made known to the young man.”

With everything else falling apart, Elizabeth did not have the heart to tell her father she had no intention of going through with his scheme. Surely he did not deserve such an added burden.

Days later, Kitty raced downstairs. “Mama, someone is coming! A gentleman! I saw him from the dressing-room window. He is riding towards the house!”

Her mother had the presence of mind to caution Elizabeth to do everything in her power to keep the news of Lydia’s actions from their guest for as long as can be. How could she possibly consider it? Avoiding telling him the truth was tantamount to entrapment. Elizabeth would not be a party to her mother’s scheme.

Heading up the stairs, Mrs. Bennet turned and cautioned her daughter. “You may have no desire to marry the gentleman, but you must think of your other two sisters. It is as important as ever that at least one of the girls stands a decent chance for marriage.” She fanned herself with her crumpled handkerchief as she continued on her way. “If only I had insisted that Mr. Bingley and Jane were married by special licence. Surely word of Lydia’s elopement is the cause of Mr. Bingley’s defection!”

Mrs. Bennet carried on in that manner, lamenting her lapse and poor Lydia’s travails, until she reached her room. Now all alone, Elizabeth was tasked with the burden of receiving the guest. As soon as he was shown into the drawing room, she stood to greet him.

Once initial awkward pleasantries were exchanged, Elizabeth said, “I am afraid, sir, I am making your acquaintance under the direst of circumstances. My papa is not here to receive you properly, and there is a good reason for his absence.”

“Miss Elizabeth, if I may be frank, I had hoped to speak to Mr. Bennet before making your acquaintance. I have heard the most disquieting rumours about the Bennet family since arriving here in Meryton.”

“Sir, I understand your desire to speak with my father; however, he is in town.”