“My interference was kindly meant, but if you are all taken in by her act, there is nothing for me to do. Come, Louisa, we need to depart,” Miss Bingley decided.
Louisa Hurst’s legs felt weak, but she fought to control them and followed.
“Miss Bengles, one thing before you leave: If you think you will not pay a price in society for your actions, you are mistaken. Never darken my doorstep again,” Lady Edith said in dismissal.
As was her wont when she heard that which did not fit with her plans, Miss Bingley ignored the countess’s warning.
From Holder House, Miss Bingley ordered the coachman to take them to Darcy House. However, she could not understand why, as soon as Mr Darcy’s butler saw it was her, he closed the door and never opened it again before she decided to leave, regardless of how hard she knocked.
Chapter 14
An hour after the entertainment Miss Bingley provided—it was mistimed, as April Fool’s day was, after all, only on the morrow—Maddie, Jane, Lilly, and May travelled back to Gracechurch Street.
Jane discovered a missive from Elizabeth waiting for her. She wondered how Lizzy accepted the remonstrations in the previous letter she had posted to her younger sister. It was likely that Lizzy was surprised that Jane’s eyes had been opened and at the change in her older sister’s character. Jane did not regret what she had written, but she did hope their relationship had not been irreparably damaged. There was only one way to discover what the truth was.
“Aunt Maddie, will you please excuse me while I go read this new letter from Lizzy?” Jane requested.
“Go, Jane. I know you have been waiting for a reply,” Maddie allowed.
Jane made her way up to the bedchamber which was hers while she resided with the Gardiners. She did not want Aunt Maddie to see her reaction if Lizzy’s letter upset her. The last thing she wanted to do was come between their aunt and her sister. She broke the seal and unfolded the paper. She began to read.
30 March 1812
The Parsonage
Hunsford
Kent
Jane, my beloved sister and best friend,
She let out the breath she was holding. Based on the way Lizzy greeted her, it seemed that things were not broken between them. Jane sighed with relief before she continued reading.
Had it not been for the events of the previous evening and the information I uncovered (I cannot write it here, but I promise to tell you all I am allowed to repeat when I see you again), I may have been far more upset at the words in your letter.
‘I have a good idea that there was something between you and Mr Darcy, but is there more to know?’ Jane thought. ‘To what information do you refer?’ She dropped her eyes to Lizzy’s words again.
As it is, I had already been humbled before your epistle arrived and reading it only pointed out what a stubborn, blind, prejudiced, and proud fool I have been. You have the right of it; I was so determined that I knew best that I ignored your words, substituting my own judgements and what I wanted to be true regardless of what you said.
I must tell you that I wrongly prejudged the three noble Fitzwilliams. They were nothing but gracious and friendly, never making me feel inferior due to their rank.
Please forgive me for my wilful blindness, Dearest. I had no right to attempt to insert my own judgement while ignoring your words to the contrary. What you said to me was far milderthan I deserved.
Even without the other events I alluded to, your words would have been enough to force me to re-evaluate my character.
“Who are you? And what have you done with my younger sister?” Jane asked aloud. She was delighted that not only would there not be uneasiness between Lizzy and her, but her sister had not taken umbrage at the words Jane had written, and more than that, it sounded as if Lizzy were looking within to see what she needed to change.
Now to your news that you are being courted. Janey, I could not be happier for you. Who among us deserves happiness if not you?
I agree with your assessment. Mr Bingley did not love you well enough to fight for you. All I can hope is that Viscount Hadlock is worthy of you. It pleases me that you told me his family do not hold themselves above you and have no airs and graces.
As such, I am very much in anticipation of meeting the man who, dare I hope, I will be able to call ‘brother’ one day.
Please convey my love and best regards to Aunt Maddie, Uncle Edward, Eddy (while he is still home), Lilly, May, and Peter. Tell them I look forward to seeing all of them in a little more than three weeks. I will see Eddy when he is home for the summer.
With much sisterly love,
Lizzy
