Elizabeth sighed. "I know, but guess what?"
"What?"
"I wrote to Aunt Madeleine for advice on how to deal with the many obstacles before us. I believe she must have felt my frustration coming off the page! I received a very encouraging letter from her today, Jane, with such excellent news."
"What did she say?"
"She feels it would be in our best interests to have the opportunity to meet eligible gentlemen away from home. Aunt Madeleine also apologized for not being able to help with this over the last couple of years due to her confinements. However, she is now ready to assist us, beginning with our next visit.”
Jane gasped and touched Elizabeth's arm. “Truly, Lizzy?”
Elizabeth laughed. “Yes, truly! Imagine meeting a gentleman and getting to know him without his being scared away by Mama’s interference or Lydia’s wild behavior.”
“Oh, that would be wonderful!”
They both knew their mother had scared away more than one suitor.
“Aunt Madeleine is of the mind that by the time any such gentleman would need to be introduced to father and the rest of the family, there would perhaps already exist a regard—"
“A regard—that would hopefully motivate the gentleman to . . . overlook such an imprudent family,” Jane concluded.
“Precisely. She says Uncle Edward will assure Papa of his willingness to act in his stead should any gentleman show interest in calling on one of us.”
The Gardiners had always been there for them. Their aunt had been an excellent example for her and Jane to imitate. Elizabeth had also appreciated being able to see what a good marriage looked like.
They continued their ramble through the garden, each in quiet contemplation. For her part, Elizabeth was thinking about their last visit to town. She and Jane had confided some of their hopes and concerns regarding marriage to their aunt, as both of them desired to marry for love and mutual respect.
Aunt Madeleine had assured them that not only were their wishes prudent, they were reasonable and attainable. She also said there were many gentlemen out there who would be very glad to meet such sensible young women. Her words had been encouraging. Elizabeth realized she had no material assets, but she felt she had a great deal to offer a husband in other ways. Over the years, she had diligently studied and improved her mind. Her father had taken an active interest in her education, and she had been schooled in many things that young ladies normally were not. She was proud of her accomplishments and the knowledge she had gained. But at times, she despaired of ever meeting a gentleman who would be willing to look past her small portion and her family's behavior in order to see and appreciate her worth. She and Jane were painfully aware of the many obstacles working against them.
They turned at the sound of the carriage pulling up in front of the house. Jane and Elizabeth exited the garden and walked toward the drive in time to meet their mother and sisters.
“Jane, Lizzy, we have news of Mr. Bingley!” Mama proclaimed. “But perhaps Charlotte has informed you of him during her visit?”
“Yes, she did, Mama,” Jane replied, following her inside with her sisters bringing up the rear. Mary joined them in the entrance hall as well.
Mama appeared thoughtful as the servant helped her with her hat and gloves. “I thought she might, since Lady Lucas was certainly full of information. Good. It goes without saying, then, that he is a very eligible bachelor, and every matron with a marriageable daughter within ten miles of Meryton will have gotten wind of that fact. We must prepare!”
Jane, Elizabeth, and Mary looked at one another in confusion.
“Prepare, Mama? How must we prepare?” Mary asked.
“The first thing we must do is take stock of your gowns. Girls, all of you, upstairs!” As they all ascended the stairs, Mama continued with her instructions, “I want each of you to lay out your two best morning dresses, the gown you plan to wear to the assembly Saturday, as well as two appropriate gowns for dinners in company.”
“Mama, Charlotte invited our family to dine at Lucas Lodge on Tuesday," Elizabeth said. "Did Lady Lucas mention it?”
“Yes, she did. Therefore, we now have two definite occasions in which you shall all meet with Mr. Bingley. The assembly on Saturday and now dinner at Lucas Lodge on Tuesday.” She gave two quick claps of her hands. “To your rooms, girls! Jane, we shall begin with you.”
With that, Mama swept into Jane’s bedchamber.
Elizabeth carefully concealed her mirth and gave Jane a knowing look before proceeding into her own bedchamber.
Several minutes later, Lydia ran into Elizabeth’s room. “Lizzy! You will never guess what I just heard. I ran down to the kitchen to grab a slice of pumpkin bread and I overheard Mrs. Hill speaking with Mrs. Oliver. Mrs. Oliver said that Mr. Bingley has guests who have arrived to stay at Netherfield—his good friend, his friend’s sister, and her companion. I did not hear theirnames, but I did hear her say his friend is a single gentleman and very handsome! Also, she said his sister is everything lovely. Once Mama hears of this, she will not know what to do with herself! I wonder if his friend is rich—would it not be a fine joke if he were to fall madly in love with me?”
Elizabeth shook her head at her youngest sister as she watched her leave the room, giggling.
So, there are now two single handsome gentlemen in the neighborhood—an exciting prospect indeed!
Later that evening, after dinner, they were all sitting in the drawing room engaged in various pursuits when Elizabeth noticed her mother eyeing her father with an irritated expression. At dinner, she had told him he needed to visit Mr. Bingley as soon as possible so their daughters could become acquainted with him. When Papa continued to eat his meal and made no response, Mama asked him what day he would go to visit Mr. Bingley. Papa told her he had no such plans at present. Mama had looked first horrified, then angry, but she dropped the subject. Now she appeared ready to raise it again.
