Page 40 of Miss Bingley’s Return

The question was not accusatory—it was interested, as if the notion pleased her. And Elizabeth understood at once; Miss Whitcombe knew nothing of Miss Bingley’s attempt to set Jane up as a direct rival for Mr. Bingley’s affections. Jane also seemed to sense this, as her response was measured.

“Yes, we are. Mr. Bingley’s leased estate in Hertfordshire neighbors our father’s estate.”

Even this did nothing to pierce her sense of serenity. “I hope you enjoyed their company.”

“We did,” said Elizabeth. “Mr. Bingley is an amiable gentleman, but I am certain you already know this.”

“Yes, I do,” said Miss Whitcombe. Though the evidence was small, Elizabeth noted a slight smile lighting her features and brightening her eyes. “I have known the Bingleys for years. When we were girls, Caroline and I often played together. My father’s business and the elder Mr. Bingley’s often intersected.”

She shrugged and added: “I do not see as much of Caroline of late, but Mr. Bingley is a consistent visitor to my father’s home.”

What struck Elizabeth most was that Miss Whitcombe did not speak with bitterness or nostalgia. It was factual and nothing more, and it spoke volumes about her character and even more about her position in Mr. Bingley’s life. Even if Elizabeth had been inclined to dislike or disapprove of Miss Whitcombe, she was not certain she could have.

“What do you think, Lizzy?” asked Jane after another caught Miss Whitcombe’s attention.

“I think she is an estimable young lady, Jane,” said Elizabeth. “It seems this connection that Miss Bingley seems so desperate to dispense with is of longer duration than we had expected.”

“With that, I cannot but agree,” said Jane.

Elizabeth regarded her sister, wondering what she was thinking. Jane appeared to interpret it, for she touched Elizabeth’s hand with affection.

“It changes nothing, Lizzy. If anything, this encounter firms my resolve.”

A playful thought came to her, and Elizabeth spoke without thinking. “Would you contest Mr. Bingley’s affection if Miss Whitcombe was ill-tempered, warty, or supercilious?”

A laugh was Jane’s response. “We shall never know, dear sister, for she is none of these things.”

Jane sobered. “The shape is better known to us now. Caroline did not overlook Clara—she seeks to leave her behind.”

Elizabeth nodded. “It is not a new attachment—it is a return.”

“Mr. Darcy did say that Mr. Bingley always returns to that which suits him best.”

Pleased with her sister, Elizabeth drew her in for an embrace. “You are handling this with the aplomb worthy of a queen, Jane. I could not be prouder if I tried.”

“Not at all, Lizzy. Now that I have seen Miss Whitcombe, I have nothing left to resent and no uncertainty as to the propriety of my course. If Mr. Bingley chooses her, she will be a fortunate woman, and I shall congratulate them both.”

“That is for the best,” agreed Elizabeth. “Now all we need to do is find you a replacement for Mr. Bingley. Do you suppose Mr. Harrington will do?”

“Stop it, Lizzy!” exclaimed Jane.

Elizabeth laughed and pulled her close again. “No, sister dearest, I shall not. After all, you teased me about Mr. Darcy—turnabout is fair play.”

“So long as you do not overdo it, I am content.”

“I shall not,” said Elizabeth. “But I will enjoy it, nonetheless.”

Chapter X

Jane reiterated what she told Elizabeth that evening after returning from tea. Aunt Gardiner listened, not interrupting, as Jane spoke of her conclusions, and when she finished, their aunt drew her in close much as Elizabeth had done earlier.

“That is most sensible of you, Jane.”

“And high-minded, to be certain,” teased Elizabeth. “If I had any doubts about my sister’s angelic disposition, this would have dispensed with them!”

“Not at all, Lizzy,” said Jane, ignoring the jest. “There is nothing of benevolence in this decision, only practicality.”

“Oh, very practical, indeed,” said Elizabeth.