“Personal preference? I do not understand you! How could anyone not love him, let alone merely like him? It is impossible! For a gentleman such as Mr. Bingley to favour you – why, it is a gift from Heaven itself!” With that, Jane rolled over and refused to speak another word.
Like Mr. Darcy earlier that day, Elizabeth was suddenly aware that an unpleasant situation was in the process of unfolding.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Mrs. Gardiner was all amazement upon reading Jane’s letter; so much so, in fact, that she read it twice and then began it a third time.
Seeing the expression on his wife’s face, Mr. Gardiner demanded that she read it aloud, which she proceeded to do.
Dear Aunt Madeleine,
So much has happened here that I know not how to begin! First, I must say that I arrived home safely. True to his word, Mr. Darcy rode horseback beside the carriage, and we spoke not at all until we stopped at an inn at Welham Green.
He saw me to my own front door, allowed me to present him to my parents, and then departed for Netherfield Park. The next day, he and his friend, Mr. Bingley – who you will recall is the new tenant at Netherfield Park and Mr. Darcy’s friend – came to call on all of us.
I must say that Mr. Bingley, who is about to be engaged to Lizzy, is a very handsome man indeed, and so very well-mannered! She is lucky indeed to have such a prospect! I do not know that she appreciates him as she should. Iunderstand that she is unhappy at having to marry a man who she does not love, but I would think it an easy task indeed to love a man such as Mr. Bingley. It would take no effort at all!
But meanwhile, Mr. Collins, to whom Longbourn is entailed, has made an offer to Mary and has been accepted! So Mary will eventually be the mistress of Longbourn! I do not envy her having to deal with Mama when that eventuality becomes reality, but I shall not worry myself on that point. In any case, the wedding is set for the twenty-third of December, so that your family will be able to attend, if you will make your usual holiday visit just a bit earlier than usual! Is that not wonderful?
Do write to tell us that you will come!
Your loving niece,
Jane
“But what has you in distress, my dear?” Mr. Gardiner inquired. “It all sounds very good to me.”
“Do you not see, Mr. Gardiner?” Mrs. Gardiner looked at her husband in some exasperation. How could men be so stupid? “Jane is all but ready to fall in love with the man who is intended for Lizzy!”
“I think you are reading too much into Jane’s praise of the man,” Mr. Gardiner said, folding his newspaper.
But his wife would not be dissuaded from her concern. It seemed clear to her that an unpleasant situation was in the process of unfolding.
Chapter Thirty-Five
At dinner that night, Caroline had a good deal to say about the Bennets. “Do you not agree with me, Mr. Darcy, that the family is in dire need of funds?”
Mr. Darcy replied, “I would not dream of commenting on the financial situation of anyone.” His voice did not invite further discussion.
Nonetheless, Miss Bingley refused to be deterred. “Surely you noticed the state of the furniture? The rugs? The straggling bushes at the front of the house?”
Mr. Darcy said, briefly, “Some families spend money on such things; others do not.”
Mr. Bingley put in, “I care not for such matters, Caroline. And did we not already have this discussion? I require a wife who can manage an estate! The finances of her family’s estate are of no consequence to me.”
Miss Bingley was not yet done. “And the estate is entailed, you know, Charles. Louisa had it from Lady Lucas.”
“I do know, Caroline, and we met the gentleman to whom the estate is entailed only today. He seems a good enough fellow, and he is to marry Miss Mary quite soon, so the estate will remain in the family after all.” Mr. Bingley voice was testy.
At this, Miss Bingley sniffed, and all her efforts to draw Mr. Darcy into further conversation on the subject were insufficient.
***
“So, Darcy, what think you?”
Mr. Darcy chalked his cue. “About?”
“Come, come, no need to be coy! About Miss Elizabeth!”
