“That is unkind.”
“That is entirely accurate.” Elizabeth rolled onto her side, propping herself up on one elbow. “I can see already what the man wants, and it is not tea in the sitting room.”
Jane chewed her lower lip and looked away. “It… it would make sense, Mama says. After all, I have no other prospects at hand, and he is eligible…”
“Tell me truly, Jane—do you think you could ever tolerate a man like that?”
Jane fiddled with the edge of their picnic blanket. “It is not a question of tolerating, I think, but of what must be done.”
Elizabeth frowned. “That is a most troubling answer.”
Jane merely smiled. “I am practical, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth huffed. “You are too gentle-hearted by half.” She plucked at a stray blade of grass, twirling it between her fingers. “You deserve a man who will admire you properly. Who will see you for the treasure you are.”
Jane gave a small laugh, shaking her head. “And where, pray, is such a man to be found?”
Elizabeth smirked. “Well, if I had to wager a guess… I believe we both know a certain gentleman who has been utterly charmed by your presence, whether or not you choose to acknowledge it.”
Jane stiffened slightly. “Elizabeth—”
“Oh, Jane, do not try to deny it.” Elizabeth sat up, brushing a stray curl from her cheek. “You are quite certain that Mr. Bingley has no intention of marrying at all, but I have seen the man in company. And I tell you now, he is precisely the sort of man who wishes for a wife.”
Jane let out a small, skeptical laugh. “And how would you know such a thing?”
Elizabeth raised a brow. “Because men like him are never content on their own. He is too affable, too eager to please. The sort of man who delights in pleasing others generally wishes for someone special to please.”
Jane blushed deeply.
Elizabeth grinned. “You see? I am right, am I not?”
Jane looked down, smoothing the folds of her gown with unnecessary focus. “It does not matter if you are right. I do not think he seesmethat way.”
Elizabeth scoffed. “You hide it too well.”
Jane looked up, confused. “Hide what?”
Elizabeth leaned forward conspiratorially. “Your heart, Jane. If a man has any inclination toward you, he must first be assured that you return it—or else he will turn away in doubt. A little encouragement does no harm.”
Jane bit her lip. “But I have told you, I do not know how.”
Elizabeth considered this. “Well, if none of our other ideas seem workable, then you must take inspiration from your sisters.”
Jane’s expression turned faintly horrified. “Lydia and Kitty? But you said I might not… I… do not think I could.”
“Youcould.” Elizabeth nudged her playfully. “You simply need a bit of practice.”
Jane gave her a sidelong glance. “And tell me, Lizzy, are you in the habit of practicing such things yourself?”
She shrugged, feigning ease. “Certainly not. I have no use for such artifice.”
“No use? Not even for a certain gentleman with striking blue eyes and a rather unfortunate tendency toward brooding?”
“Who… you cannot mean Mr. Darcy?”
Jane laughed. “Do not pretend you have not noticed him.”
“Oh, I have noticed him, I assure you. But not, I think, in the way you mean.”
