“How interesting.”
Elizabeth set down her fork.
“She has been most kind to us,” Jane continued.
“I am sure she has,” Miss Bingley said. “And your own mother?”
“She died when we were young.”
A pause followed.
Miss Bingley’s expression eased, though not fully. “How very sad.”
Jane did not respond.
“And your family connections?” Miss Bingley asked. “You have relations in town, I believe.”
Jane smiled slightly. “My uncle resides near Gracechurch Street. He is very near his warehouses.”
“He is in trade?” Miss Bingley said.
“Yes.”
Elizabeth spoke then, her tone even. “Mr. Gardiner is a respectable gentleman.”
“Of course,” Miss Bingley replied. “I did not suggest otherwise.”
Mrs. Hurst glanced between them.
“And it was through this connection that your stepmother became known to your father?”
Jane answered without pause. “Yes. My uncle purchased my stepmother’s late husband’s business. It was through that acquaintance that she and my father were brought together again.”
“Again?” Miss Bingley said.
“They had known one another before,” Jane explained. “I was very pleased when Mama and Elizabeth came to live with us.”
“How very fortunate,” Miss Bingley said.
Elizabeth met her gaze. “Very.”
Miss Bingley turned her attention to Elizabeth more directly. “Miss Elizabeth, you are not a Bennet, then? Did you live in town for some time before coming to Hertfordshire?”
Most had forgot that Elizabeth was not a Bennet. “I did.”
“Near Mr. Gardiner?”
“For a period.”
Miss Bingley’s smile returned. “You must have found it very different from the country.”
“I found it instructive.”
“And preferable?”
Elizabeth considered. “No.” In truth, she had hated town.
Miss Bingley’s brows lifted slightly. “Indeed?”
