“She also may not be able to be a truewife,” said Mrs. Hurst suddenly, then blushed furiously.
The gentlemen’s cheeks turned pink as well.
Darcy cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably. “That is another consideration.” He hesitated, then added, “Even if she were capable and willing, anything that could put her in such a delicate condition would most probably significantly shorten her lifespan.”
Bingley frowned. “I confess that hadn’t entirely crossed my mind.”
“It seems you have much to think on,” Mrs. Hurst said, not unkindly.
“If only I could know what she was thinking,” Bingley complained.
“Perhaps I could speak to her sister about it?” suggested Mrs. Hurst.
“How do you know she would be truthful?” Darcy replied. “After all, she may just wish for the wealthy connection.”
The two siblings frowned at him. “I do not think her capable of doing anything that would harm her sister,” Mrs. Hurst said severely.
Darcy bowed his head in acknowledgment. Before he could respond, however, they were interrupted by the chiming of the clock.
“Goodness, I hadn’t realized how late it was!” Mrs. Hurst exclaimed. “It’s past time to be changing for dinner.”
With that, the three parted ways, with much to occupy their thoughts.
∞∞∞
Dinner an hour later was a quiet affair. Elizabeth tried several times to carry on a conversation with those at the dinner table, but her many efforts only led to half-hearted responses that soon fell to silence. Eventually, she ceased her attempts, and the meal passed with everyone’s focus uncommonly fixated on their plates.
When the last course had been eaten, Mrs. Hurst stood and signaled for the separation of the sexes. Elizabeth dutifully rose and followed, but not before noticing her hostess exchanging a significant look with Bingley before leaving the room.
Upon entering the music room, Elizabeth took what was becoming her usual place on a chair near a table with several books. Instead of going to the small pianoforte, however, Mrs. Hurst chose another chair near Elizabeth’s. It was clear to Elizabeth that the other woman was quite uncomfortable, as she was fidgeting with her bracelets and shifting uneasily in her seat.
At length, Mrs. Hurst, her brow furrowed with concern, leaned closer to Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet, I must discuss something of great importance with you, something I cannot bear to keep to myself any longer. The topic is one of some delicacy, however, and I must beg your forgiveness in advance for what I know will be an awkward and personal conversation.”
Elizabeth, always open to a sincere discussion, regarded Mrs. Hurst with a serious expression. “Of course, Mrs. Hurst. What troubles you?”
Mrs. Hurst took a deep breath before broaching the delicate subject. “It is a matter regarding your sister, Miss Jane Bennet, and her relationship with Mr. Bingley. You see, my brother is deeply in love with her, and he wishes to propose marriage.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened, her surprise evident. “Mr. Bingley wishes to propose to Jane? This is surprising news, indeed! Especially given the news from Mr. Darcy’s physician. I would not have thought that your brother would wish to tie himself to such a… complicated situation.”
“You remember me mentioning Maggie, the daughter of my father’s foreman?”
Elizabeth nodded, watching Mrs. Hurst warily.
“Well, it seems that she and Charles had a special friendship. She was very kind to him. In fact, I’m ashamed to say that she was probably the only female in his life that made him feel wanted and appreciated for who he was. Until your sister, that is.”
Elizabeth’s face softened, eyes filling with understanding. “I see. That does make quite a bit of sense.”
Mrs. Hurst nodded. “But Miss Bennet’s health… it is delicate, as you well know. We are unsure if Jane would prefer to spend her remaining time with her family, those whom she loves dearly, or if she would find comfort and happiness in marriagewith my brother. It is a choice that only she can make, and we do not wish to pressure her in any way.”
Elizabeth bit her lip and looked away. “You have given me quite a lot to think on. As you are aware, Jane’s mental capabilities are not entirely those of a woman full grown. While she is capable in so many ways, she is also like a child in other ways.”
The other woman shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “Yes, that brings me to another point of thought: the duties that come with marriage.”
“You mean being capable of running a household like Netherfield.”
Mrs. Hurst flushed scarlet and looked down at her hands. “Well, there is that, but no… I was referring to, well… that is to say… we do not know if she would be willing or able to engage in, well, the physical aspects of marriage. Not only would falling with child be dangerous for her health, but marital duties can be… well, difficult for many women. Traumatic, even, depending on the husband. Not that Charles would be anything but the best of husbands… What I mean to say is that…”
Elizabeth—quite red and mentally kicking herself for not having caught on to Mrs. Hurst’s meaning before the poor woman had to be so explicit—placed her hand on the wringing fingers on the other side of the table.
