Chapter 30
That night, after Alex was sleeping under Dorothy’s care, Elizabeth knocked on Jane’s door.
“Come in, Lizzy.” Jane’s smile of greeting was soft. She was seated at the toilette table, brushing out her hair.
“Did you enjoy yourself today?” Elizabeth crossed the room to stand behind her sister. Taking the brush from her hand, she began brushing Jane’s hair.
Making eye contact in the mirror before them, Jane replied, “I did. Georgiana put together a happy affair. It seemed like everyone enjoyed themselves, not only the children.”
The sound of bristles running through Jane’s long, blonde tresses filled the room for a moment, until Elizabeth casually remarked. “It must be a relief to know Mr Bingley was not being in any way inappropriate in his behaviour at the park when you were introduced.”
“I was relieved, although it is sad about his wife.”
Seeing Elizabeth purse her lips, Jane asked, “You do not agree?”
“There was something in his manner when it was mentioned…”
Jane turned around on the stool to face Elizabeth directly. “Lizzy, not everything has a hidden meaning or secret.”
With a light push, Elizabeth turned Jane’s shoulders to sit straight again and continued to brush her hair. “He does seem very amiable, and I admire his warm connection with Isabelle.”
“She is a dear, sweet girl. He is most attentive to her.” Pink colour flushed Jane’s cheeks. “Lizzy, he asked if he might call on me.”
“That does not surprise me. He was clearly taken with you. How did you respond?”
Jane did not answer right away. “I told him I needed to consider it.”
“Oh, Jane.”
Jane stood abruptly and took a few steps away. “I do not know if I am capable of trusting again. Would it be fair to agree to his calls?”
“Jane, any gentleman requesting to call is doing only that. It is not a courtship, but merely to see if you enjoy each other’s company. If it progresses, a courtship may follow, but even then, it does not always lead to an engagement and marriage.” Attempting to navigate Jane’s mind away from panic, she asked, “We do not know much about him, but what do we know?”
“He is good with his daughter. He seems an amiable, outgoing sort of man.”
“And he is handsome, as a young man ought to be if he can help it.” Elizabeth teased. “He is also well known to the Darcys. I doubt they would suffer a vicious man to be amongst their acquaintances.” She shrugged. “Should you wish to know more of him, we can always interrogate them.”
“Lizzy,” Jane let out a little giggle, covering her mouth, “And what of Mr Darcy?”
Elizabeth sighed, “He is an exceptional man. He is also of the first circle.”
“Are not you, now? Youarethe mother of an earl.”
Elizabeth only shook her head, not wanting to stir up doubts in her sister’s mind regarding Bingley. With Darcy’s wealth and close relation to nobility he could aspire to marry true nobility. Not a widow with a shade in her family.
“We were discussing you and Mr Bingley. If you want myopinion, let him call. He may prove dull as dishwater. And if you are apprehensive, I suggest you speak with our aunt. She has not guided me wrong yet.” With a kiss to Jane’s cheek Elizabeth departed to seek her own bed.
But sleep evaded her, as thoughts of Darcy swirled around in her head.I dare not speak of it with Jane, her being a maiden, but from my experience in marriage I believe Darcy is attracted to me. As I am to him.Dear me, he is an infinitely attractive man. The physical pull she felt towards him was beyond even how she had learned to feel for Gregory.
Did it ensure deeper feelings would develop, or lead to a respectable relationship? As Jane said, our family’s history might lead a gentleman to think the Bennet women were amoral.
It is also possible my status as a widow might lead him to contemplate a different kind of arrangement? She shocked herself by the thought.No, Mr Darcy is an honourable man. I cannot believe it of him. Though I do not really know him well. No, it could not be so.
She stopped tormenting herself with such thoughts, which only served to tie her up in knots. Rolling over in bed in an attempt to find a more comfortable position, it was still much time before she succumbed to exhaustion and slept.
~ / ~
The next day brought unexpected visitors. Mr Graham, in the company of Mr Seymour, called to speak with Elizabeth and were shown into the study where she sat working.
