No, they surmised, it likely all settled down and blended into the sort of harmonious accord they had always seen in the Gardiners. And that, compared with the union of their parents, looked very rosy indeed.
“And we will never have to have tallow candles,” Jane whispered to Elizabeth.
“If I never smell tallow again, I shall be perfectly content!” Elizabeth agreed. “Though I would marry Mr. Darcy even if he was poor.”
Jane wrinkled her nose. “But somehow, if he were poor, he would not be Mr. Darcy.”
“No,” Elizabeth agreed. “He would not. Can you imagine it? A humble Mr. Darcy, wearing common clothing, no tall beaver hat, and no shining Hessians? No, indeed! He would be someone else entirely!”
They both smiled at the image. Elizabeth asked, “Will you buy Netherfield Park, do you think?”
“Charles and I agreed that it depends on Mama,” Jane replied.
“On Mama? But why?”
“If she insists on coming over every single day to advise me on my décor, my servants, my attire, and my husband, we shall have to move.”
“And no one could blame you,” loyal Elizabeth said. “But it would be good for our parents to have you nearby.”
“It would, but I must consider what is good for Charles, as well.”
“Of course. But tell me, Jane, what will you do about Miss Bingley?”
“I do not know,” Jane whispered. “I cannot like her, though she will soon be my sister.”
“Can Mr. Bingley not do something about her?” Elizabeth thought it dreadful indeed to have Miss Bingley as a sister! How lucky she was to have Georgiana!
“How am I to ask him to send his sister away?”
“Is there not an alternative to sending her away?”
“I suppose I could smother her in her sleep, Lizzy, but short of that, no, I do not see an alternative.”
“Jane, you know what you must do.”
Jane sat up in alarm. “Lizzy, I was only joking about smothering her…”
“Of course, Jane, but you must be very stern with her. You are the mistress of the house; you will rule it. You must direct her to interact with tenants, to sew for them, to give way to you in all things.”
Jane shook her head. “You could do that, Lizzy, but I cannot.”
“You can; just pretend you are me!”
Jane stared at her sister and then began to laugh. She hid under the covers until the laughter had passed, and then poked her head out and said, “That I can do!”
***
The day before the wedding, Mary and Mr. Collins arrived. Mr. Bennet took his heir presumptive aside to lecture him on the importance of learning to manage an estate. Mary was happy to be home, though it was very clear that being away from Longbourn had been good for her. Mary’s very evident happiness was remarked upon by all her sisters, and Mrs. Bennet went so far as to remark that Mary’s appearance was greatly improved.
The Gardiners arrived that day as well; they had left the boys at home with their nanny, understanding that Longbourn would likely be quite full. Mrs. Gardiner was delighted to present both Jane and Elizabeth with tea caddies similar to the one she had given Mary though, as she said to Elizabeth, there were doubtless far finer ones at Pemberley. Elizabeth protested, “But this is mine and mine alone, and so will always be special!”
“I hope you will invite me to Pemberly,” Mrs. Gardiner said. “For I have always wanted to see inside the Pemberley mansion!”
“Oh, Aunt, of course I will! Nothing could make me happier!”
Chapter Ninety-Nine
The fourth of February dawned clear and bright, with not a cloud in sight; this was regarded as a good omen by everyone.
