Mr. F.D. of Derbyshire danced with a good many ladies at the Haddingdon’s ball, including Miss C.D., Miss P.A., Miss E. F., and Miss D.G. Wagers are being placed that this will be the year that this long-time elusive bachelor finds his bride!
Elizabeth left the study and made her way up the stairs to her room. She threw herself on her bed, face down in the pillow. She hoped for some time alone, but Jane soon entered their room. Jane was surprised to find her sister in such a position, but she immediately knew the cause.
“Oh, Lizzy.” Jane stroked Elizabeth’s hair. “Is it Mr. Darcy?”
“Papa did not want me to see it, but I found the paper and read the social column of today’sMorning Post.” Elizabeth’s voice was muffled by the pillow.
“Heavens! Is he engaged?”
“No, but he soon will be.” Elizabeth sat up. “He is dancing with all sorts of ladies in Town.”
“He did tell you that he would go to Town to find a bride,” Jane said, hesitantly.
“He did, yes. He was never dishonest with me and I have no reason to feel injured by him.” Elizabeth’s voice was a little unsteady.
“I understand just a little of your pain, Lizzy, I really do. I felt deeply hurt when I thought Charles would choose his sister over me. But, Lizzy, you know that it will fade with time.”
“You are right, I suppose.”
“Iamright; we read about unreciprocated loves that last a lifetime, but those are just stories. A gentleman will come along who will make you forget Mr. Darcy entirely!”
“Oh, Jane! I hope he comes soon, for this truly is unbearable!”
“Shall you perhaps go to the Gardiners, Lizzy? You know they would welcome a visit from you.”
“And wonder every moment if I shall see Mr. Darcy at Hatchard’s or in the park? Or just around the corner? No, I think not.”
“You are right; that would be dreadful. But you will go to Kent soon enough, and that will be a good deal of distraction.”
Having by now recovered her equilibrium, Elizabeth was able to laugh and say, “Oh, Jane, here I am, weeping on your shoulder when you are less than a fortnight away from your wedding! Tell me, has Mama had any sort of special marriage talk with you? For you recall that when she gave Mary that talk, poor Mary looked as if she might faint.”
“No, she has not, but…” and here Jane hesitated.
“What?”
“Well, Aunt Gardiner pulled me aside when she came for Mary’s wedding and she gave me the talk! It was not at all dreadful, but I can imagine that Mama made it sound so. No, do not question me, Lizzy. Your time will come.”
Elizabeth had to laugh. “Well, whatever is involved in this marital business, it is bound to be more pleasant for you than for Mary. Imagine being in any fashion intimate with Mr. Collins!”
Both girls groaned, and Elizabeth wrapped her sister in a hug.
***
That afternoon, Elizabeth had recovered her equilibrium enough to sit at her writing desk to reply to Mary’s letter.
Dear Mary,
We were all sorry to hear that your Cook is still suffering from her headaches, and we agreed wholeheartedly that asking for food from Lady Catherine’s kitchen is a step that should not be taken if it can be at all avoided!
Papa agrees that I may visit at Easter. He will bring me to you and spend one night there before returning to Longbourn. He will come for me in a month’s time, if that suits you.
Yes, Miss Bingley is gone! Everyone here at Longbourn is delighted and has no qualms in saying so, but we are careful not to say anything when Mr. Bingley or the Hursts are present.
The banns for Jane and Mr. Bingley have been read three times now, and the wedding is set – finally! – for the twenty-fourth of February. Jane goes about in a sort of dreamy trance now, which Mama says is normal in a love match. I would beg you to come to see our Jane married, but you have already told me that Lady Catherine says it is too soon for you to be gone, as the parishioners will feel you are not to be trusted. It sounds nonsensical to me, but I do understand that she cannot be gainsaid. I will, of course, write down every detail of the wedding so that you will feel that you were present for it.
I send much love from all of us, but most especially from,
Your affectionate sister,
