Jane embraced her sister.
“You may visit Longbourn whenever you wish, and when Lizzy and I are married, you shall visit each of us as well. You may enjoy several months’ reprieve from him every year, for we shall take care not to invite Mr. Collins upon our sisterly visits.”
Mary could not help but laugh.
“Now tell me about yourself, Jane. Tell me everything about Mr. Bingley.”
Jane’s expression fell before softening into something wistful. “Mr. Bingley is handsome and every inch a gentleman. His countenance is open and pleasing, and his manners are easy and unaffected. Oh, Mary, he is exactly what a young man ought to be, sensible, good-humored, lively. I never witnessed such happy manners, such ease joined with perfect good breeding.” She clasped Mary’s hands. “And he is handsome besides, with blue eyes, a finely formed nose, and curly golden-red hair. He is a paragon among men.”
“But what occurred to send him away? I understood he paid you great attention.”
“Oh yes, attentions beyond anything I had ever hoped to receive from any gentleman. And to receive such attentions from a man so superior to all others seemed almost beyond belief. I walked upon clouds, sister. I was so happy.”
Her voice faltered.
“And then, not a fortnight later, he departed. He explained that business required him in London, but promised he would return within the week.”
“Not three days after he left, his sisters closed Netherfield and departed as well. I received a letter from Miss Caroline Bingley informing me that the entire party had gone to town with no intention of returning.”
Jane began to weep quietly. “It all happened so quickly, in September, just after Lizzy came to visit you. It astonishes methat a man whom I knew so little could leave behind so deep a wound. I have been exceedingly unhappy.”
“My dear Jane, I believe it is because you imagined yourself married to him, keeping his house and bearing his children. When he left, it was the death of all your hopes.”
Jane looked at her sister. “Is it so for you as well?”
“Yes. I imagined a life of purpose beside the rector, caring for the people of the parish, managing his household, and one day bearing his children. Yet he is so provoking that my greatest wish each morning is for him to leave the house early and remain away until nightfall.”
“And does he?”
“Yes, several times each week. The parishioners often send for him. He is quite another man in company. Before others, he is deferential and humble, while at home with me, he is superior and proud. He sees only that I brought nothing to the marriage.”
Jane and Mary sat together sharing their grief over disappointed hopes and lost dreams until at last Jane persuaded Mary to retire, while she herself remained beside Elizabeth, tending her sister through the night.
Chapter 24: Sir Gareth Beaumont
A week after the Fitzwilliams were married, the Rosings party was gathered in the drawing room when the butler announced a morning caller.
“Sir Gareth Beaumont.”
The company rose to welcome the amiable gentleman. Richard cast a worried glance toward his cousin, who answered with a lifted brow, as if to ask whether he had warned the man away.
With the slightest shake of his head, Richard indicated that he had not.
Sir Gareth bowed over Anne’s hand, and then he was introduced to Jane. Everyone in the room observed the instant his eyes fell upon the fair-haired Bennet sister. The gentleman was plainly struck by her beauty.
Richard glanced toward Darcy once more, this time with amusement, and Darcy returned the look with a faint grin.
Anne ordered a fresh pot of tea while Richard made the necessary explanations.
“Beaumont, you must offer me your congratulations. I married my childhood sweetheart a week ago.”
Sir Gareth’s brows rose in surprise.
Anne moved nearer to Richard, and he took her hand and pressed a kiss upon it. “Mrs. Fitzwilliam accepted my hand and has made me the happiest of men.”
Sir Gareth bowed to the lady. “Allow me to offer my congratulations, Mrs. Fitzwilliam.”
He turned back to Richard. “I imagine you shall sell out now?”
