“Do you agree that Miss Bennet’s lack of dowry is not an issue? Caroline speaks of it constantly.”
“Bingley, you must understand that you will have to provide dowries for any daughters you have, and your sons will require an education. The eldest son will inherit, of course, but the younger sons will need to be given a start in a career of some sort. All that said, from what I understand of your income and your expenses, I do not foresee a problem as long as you and Miss Bennet do not become extravagant in your tastes.”
“You know that I still receive a goodly amount of money from my factories, more than I have ever spent.”
“Yes; and that is why I feel safe in making this recommendation to you.”
Mr. Bingley whooped, and then said, “Thank you, Darcy! Wish me luck!” Without another word, Mr. Bingley turned and made his way back to Longbourn, leaving Mr. Darcy to look after him, a slight smile playing about his lips.
***
“He is back,” Elizabeth whispered to Jane.
“He? Who?”
“Mr. Bingley, and he looks quite determined.”
The girls listened as Mr. Hill opened the door. They heard, “Very good, Mr. Bingley,” and then footsteps fading in the opposite direction. Jane and Elizabeth looked at each other in confusion.
A few minutes later, they heard Mr. Hill’s laborious tread headed back toward them. “Hill!” Elizabeth called out.
Mr. Hill poked his head around the door jamb. “Yes, Miss Elizabeth?”
“What did Mr. Bingley want?”
Mr. Hill almost smiled. “To see your father.” With that, he turned and lumbered off.
Jane burst into tears and her sister held her as she cried for joy. “We are saved, Lizzy,” Jane was able to whisper at last.
“And it is you who have saved us,” Elizabeth whispered back.
Mr. Bingley and Mr. Bennet soon walked into the parlour, both of them smiling widely. “Mr. Bingley has asked for, and has been granted, a brief period of private time with you, Jane. Ten minutes, mind, and this door will remain ajar. And, Mr. Bingley, do remember our discussion.”
***
Mr. Bennet announced Jane’s engagement to the family at dinner that night. The happy smile on Jane’s face livened the family dinner considerably, and Mrs. Bennet’s delighted pronouncements of carriages and pin money were tolerated by everyone.
“But you will have to abide his sister, that awful Miss Bingley,” Lydia said. “It would take a good deal of pin money to compensate for that!”
Jane answered, “No, indeed, for Mr. Bingley promised Papa that he would send his sister away!”
“Really, Papa?” Kitty’s face showed her astonishment.
“Really, Kitty. No one should have to live with such a woman. I am fortunate indeed in my wife and daughters.” Mr. Bennet bent his attention to his plate, missing the quick, shocked glances that traveled round the table.
***
At Netherfield, a similar dinner announcement was made, but it was not nearly so well-received. Miss Bingley immediately pronounced it a terrible shame and accosted Mr. Darcy the moment the meal was over. “Surely you cannot approve of such a match, Mr. Darcy!”
“Can I not, Miss Bingley? And why is that?”
“Why, you are always so keen on rational matters, and you must see that this is hardly a rational decision!”
“I do not see that at all. Your brother has no need of more money, Miss Bingley. What he does need, given your family’s unfortunate parentage, is a connection to the gentry. Miss Bennet provides this, as well as a thorough knowledge of how to be the mistress of an estate.”
Miss Bingley fumed silently; she did not like any reference to her ties to trade and her own lack of estate experience.
Mr. Darcy continued. “His children may still bear the taint of trade, but his grandchildren are likely to be free of it. In this regard, Miss Bennet is the best bride he could hope for.”
