Page 31 of The Crown’s Gift

Sir Thomas studied him. "Do you believe your future unsettled?"

"Not financially. Only—Darcy knows these matters better."

"I did not ask what Darcy knows."

Bingley looked away. "I am to go to London tomorrow for a fortnight. I wanted Miss Bennet to understand that I shall return."

"Then tell her."

"Directly?"

"You appear to have mastered direct conversation with me."

Bingley left the library chastened and hopeful. On the terrace, however, Jane was no longer alone. Caroline and Mrs Hurst had arrived unexpectedly to collect their brother. Caroline remained beside Jane through the entire farewell.

"We shall be only a fortnight," Bingley said. "Perhaps less."

Jane's smile was gentle. "I hope your business prospers."

"I shall write to Sir Thomas about the estate."

"Of course."

Mr Hurst waited in the carriage while his wife and Caroline collected Bingley. Darcy returned to Longbourn before dinner, and the entire party departed for London the following morning. Bingley's servants covered the furniture and left only the housekeeper and two maids in residence until his promised return.

There were too many listeners and too little courage. Bingley bowed over her hand and left with what mattered still unsaid.

Darcy told himself the separation was prudent.

He had watched Bingley fall in love often enough to distrust speed. Jane Bennet was affectionate, but her composure concealed the degree of it. The Bennets' increased position removed most objections he might once have named, yet Darcy found new ones because caution had become the language in which he disguised control.

Sir Thomas had been knighted yesterday in the reckoning of old families. Lady Bennet remained too loud. Kitty and Lydia were not yet formed. The King's favor could elevate; it could also attract resentment. Bingley, born to trade and aspiring to land, might enter a family whose consequence made him feel less rather than more secure.

Darcy presented these concerns as friendship.

He did not examine why separating Bingley from Hertfordshire also removed Darcy from Elizabeth.

In London, Caroline ensured that every plan extended. A solicitor was unavailable. Mrs Hurst required fittings. An invitation from a duchess could not be declined. Bingley's proposed week became two.

Caroline assured Bingley that Jane remained perfectly serene in Hertfordshire and had made no inquiry after him. She offered the lie lightly, as though reporting the weather.

The letter arrived at Netherfield on a cold December morning.

We are settled for the winter, Caroline wrote. Charles is much engaged with Mr Darcy and his delightful sister. I hope, in time, to call Georgiana a sister myself. She and Charles are so well suited in temper and fortune that one cannot help imagining what might be.

Jane read the page in the morning room. Her face did not crumple. She simply became very still.

Elizabeth took the letter. "This is deliberate."

"Perhaps it is true."

"Bingley looked at you as though the rest of us were furniture."

Jane folded her hands. "He left."

The quiet words checked every easy reassurance.

Lady Bennet entered while Elizabeth was reading the final lines. She saw Jane's face and did not begin with outrage. She crossed the room, sat beside her eldest daughter, and held her.