Page 42 of The Crown’s Gift

Jane met his eyes. "Did you believe I felt nothing?"

"Darcy believed it. I feared it. I preferred his certainty to the risk of discovering the truth."

"And what will you do when Mr Darcy doubts me again? Or your sister? Or someone whose opinion appears wiser than mine?"

"Bring the doubt to you," Bingley answered. "Not as an accusation, and not after I have acted upon it. I will ask. Then I will listen."

Jane's composure trembled, but she did not rescue him from discomfort. They spoke for another quarter hour about his departure and Caroline's concealment. When the call ended, Bingley asked only whether he might come again.

"In two days," Jane said. "If Aunt Gardiner agrees."

The second call was less painful and therefore more revealing. Mrs Gardiner escorted them through Russell Square with Elizabeth beside her, close enough for propriety and far enough to allow conversation. Bingley described his return to Longbourn, the frozen pipes, and the work neglected during his absence.

"I thought purchasing another estate would prove I was settled," he said. "Now I think remaining where I gave my word may prove it better."

"Longbourn is not a punishment," Jane replied.

"No. It is a responsibility I nearly abandoned because London made indecision comfortable."

Jane asked what he intended to do about Caroline. Bingley did not boast that he could reform his sister. He said Caroline would apologize before entering Jane's home again and that Jane would decide whether the apology earned anything beyond civility.

On his third call, he brought no flowers and made no speech. He carried a packet of estate accounts Sir Thomas had requested and spent half an hour with Mr Gardiner discussing investments before joining the ladies. Jane noticed the effort because it was useful rather than theatrical.

They spoke of ordinary married life: where they might live, how often family would visit, what obligations came with Longbourn, and whether Bingley's friendliness sometimes became agreement before thought. Jane admitted that her serenity could hide opinions she expected others to discover without being told.

"Then we must both become plainer," she said.

"I shall require practice," Bingley answered. "But I would rather practice with you than appear agreeable without being trustworthy."

Twelve days after the first call, Bingley asked Sir Thomas for permission to address Jane. Sir Thomas questioned him about income, settlements, Longbourn's lease, and the obligations of a husband whose sister had injured his intended wife. Bingley answered without evasion.

"I consent because Jane has chosen to receive you again," Sir Thomas said. "Do not turn her courage into proof that the injury was small."

"I will remember it was large enough to require her courage," Bingley replied.

The proposal took place the following afternoon in the Gardiners' back parlor. Mrs Gardiner developed a determined interest in the shelves while Jane and Bingley stood near the window.

Bingley began too quickly, stopped, and tried again. "Jane, I loved you before I understood that love without steadiness can wound as surely as indifference. I cannot promise never to be foolish. I can promise never again to make another person the judge of what I owe you. Will you marry me?"

Jane laughed through tears. "Yes. I believe you have begun to understand the difference."

He took both her hands and waited until she closed the distance between them.

Sir Thomas sent a note to Brook Street. Lady Bennet arrived before the messenger could reasonably have returned, having already ordered the carriage on the strength of her husband's expression at breakfast. She embraced Bingley, then Jane, then Bingley again.

"I knew it from the first dance," she declared. "Though I did not know it last week, naturally, when I believed him faithless."

Jane smiled against her mother's shoulder. "He came back properly, Mama."

Sir Thomas stood beside Elizabeth. "Your mother has completed the settlement. My solicitor may retire."

Elizabeth smiled, but her attention moved toward the door. Darcy did not come. He sent Bingley a short letter of congratulation and departed London for Pemberley the next morning.

Elizabeth told herself his absence made the celebration easier. The lie no longer convinced her.

* * *

Mr Collins had returned to Hunsford three days after the Longbourn ball. Before departing, he called at Lucas Lodge, took formal leave of Charlotte in the presence of her parents, and promised to write once Lady Catherine had approved the wedding date.