Page 112 of The Engagement at Longbourn

“Traitor.”

“And you said he had a tolerable face but an intolerable manner.” “

Accurate at the time.”

Jane smiled. “And Charles nearly stepped on my gown.”

“You pretended not to notice.”

“He apologized four times.”

“He remains consistent.”

They laughed softly.

A knock came.

Lydia entered without waiting. “Are you crying?”

“No,” Elizabeth said.

“Yes,” Jane said.

Lydia’s face crumpled. “Oh, do not! If you cry, I shall cry, and my eyes will swell tomorrow.”

Kitty appeared behind her. “Mama says we are all to bed.”

Mary came too. Within five minutes all five Bennet sisters sat in the room. Lydia lay across the foot of the bed. Kitty sat on the floor with her back against the mattress. Mary occupied the dressing stool. For once no one argued.

“I shall miss you,” Kitty said.

Elizabeth reached down and touched her hair. “I am not dying.”

“You are going very far away.”

“You may visit.”

“Truly?”

“Of course.”

Lydia rolled onto her back. “I am coming for a whole summer.”

Elizabeth looked at the ceiling. “I withdraw the invitation.”

“La!”

Jane laughed.

Mary said quietly, “The house will be altered.”

Everyone looked at her.

She flushed. “It will.”

“Yes,” Jane said.

Mary looked down at her hands. “I shall miss hearing you talk at night.”