Chapter One
October 1814
Elizabeth was not surprised to find a letter from Jane in her morning post. The sisters corresponded with great frequency, and it was not unusual for Elizabeth to receive three or four letters each week from her elder sister at Netherfield. She set her teacup aside in favour of reading the letter.
Dear Lizzy,
This letter will be full of complaints, so if you wish to put it down immediately, I would not blame you!
You will recall that the Hursts moved to their estate in Suffolk when the elder Mr. Hurst had a bad fall and required his son’s assistance. I had hoped that Caroline would go with them, but alas, she preferred to stay at Netherfield. She says that she would have no luck at all finding a husband in Suffolk, so why should she go there?
I ask you, Lizzy, does she think the odds of her finding a husband are better in Meryton? It is utterly nonsensical! Charles hinted strongly that she should go with Louisa and Harold, but Caroline simply sailed out of the room, nose in the air, whenever the subject was broached.
So now the Hursts are gone and Caroline is still here. She is worse than ever, criticising everything I do, every meal I order, every gown I wear. You know Charles; he does not want to fight with his sister, but even he is losing his patience.
I need to get Caroline married, but who would take her? Even if there was someone suitable in Meryton – which there certainly is not! – she could only be of interest to someone in dire need of her fortune.
Just writing this out has made me feel better, Lizzy! Thank you for being my ever kind and loving sister.
Your devoted sister,
Jane
Poor Jane! Elizabeth had to suppress a shudder at the very thought of living with Caroline Bingley.
“Something wrong?” Her husband’s voice came from behind her, making her jump.
“William! You startled me!”
“My apologies.” He leaned down and kissed her thoroughly. “Is this an adequate apology, or shall I continue?”
Elizabeth laughed at him. “I would suggest continuing, but I know we both have a good deal to do today.”
He drew a chair up beside her. “What has you staring at that letter? I think you have read it three times.”
She handed it to him and watched in some surprise as his face broke into a wide grin. “Surely it is not funny, William!”
“Well, it is, rather, and you may shortly think so as well. I came to find you in order to show you my own letter.”
Dear Darcy,
I write to you in some despair. The Hursts are gone, which might be cause for some rejoicing, were it not for the fact that Caroline refused to go with them. Darcy, she makes Jane – and myself! – absolutely miserable here at Netherfield. She claims to be looking for a husband, but there is certainly no one here in Meryton who could possibly meet her exacting standards.
Darcy, you are clever; surely you have an idea of what I can do to get her married off, and soon!
Your despondent friend,
Bingley
Elizabeth tried to prevent a smile from making its way onto her face, but it was no use.
Her husband pounced. “See? Itisfunny!”
“It should not be. Our brother and sister are miserable, and here we are laughing at them.”
“Not at them; surely we are laughing at the situation, as well as the oddity of us both receiving letters the same day.”
“Fair enough. But what are we to do?” Elizabeth asked.
