Page 78 of A Prudent Engagement

Lydia giggled. “Mary, what would be the moral if Jane marries Mr. Bingley because she interfered with Dull Darcy’s courtship with Lizzy?”

That made Elizabeth groan.

From certain features of Jane’s expression, it was clear to her that her sister’s feelings for Mr. Bingley had not been extinguished by time.

If he meant to arrange for his friend to marry Jane, it would make sense of Mr. Darcy’s presence in a way that Elizabeth could understand.

He did not mean to impose himself on her further—he only meant to support his friend as he renewed his attentions towards Jane.

She must not hope.

Mary gave much serious thought to Lydia’s laughing query about what the moral was, and she at last said, “As Jane acted from the best of intentions, it only shows that the Lord will bless those who are well intentioned.”

“La! That is too droll.” Lydia shook her head. “Mary, I had not realised that you approved of Jane’s interference. I would never speak to her again if she interfered in a like manner with my beau.”

Elizabeth said, “I hope that you would forgive her if she acted from the best of intentions.”

“Do you really forgive me?” Jane asked. She did not look up.

“I have said already that you did as you thought best.”

“I was a fool. Charlotte was right.”

“Quite so,” Mrs. Bennet said. “And let that be a lesson to you to not be so confident that you know best in the future—but it will all end well.”

“I do not know that,” Jane replied. “And neither do you—no matter how confidently you speak. Oh, I hate to hear this speculation. I hate it. It is dreadful to my nerves. And I will not begin to hope again. I will not.”

“Quite sensible,” their mama agreed. “It will then be a complete surprise when Mr. Bingley offers for you. It is sweeter that way.”

“No, that is not what I mean,” Jane said. “And I do not deserve anything of the sort.”

“Well, do not let that make you unhappy when you gain it,” her mother replied. “To think! Two daughters married, and to such eligible men. If only Mr. Bennet had lived to see it!”

Elizabeth’s assurance that her mother’s confidence was misplaced was a little shaken the next morning when Kitty called from where she sat reading in the window, “It is Mr. Darcy with Mr. Bingley. They are riding up on their horses.”

Elizabeth hurried to look out.

It was the familiar tall figure of Mr. Darcy. And Mr. Bingley.

Jane pressed her hands together, and she did not rise, but her face was pale.

Elizabeth focused her attention her on Jane, taking her hand to comfortingly squeeze it. It was easiest to do so since she did not wish to think about her own confusion as to how she should act in Mr. Darcy’s presence.

The ladies all rose as the two gentlemen entered the room and bowed.

Mr. Darcy’s gaze was immediately upon her, but Elizabeth looked away and could not meet his eyes.

Their mother approached Mr. Bingley with great cheerfulness and accused him of owing them a family dinner.

“I am very sorry that I failed to meet my previous engagement,” Mr. Bingley replied. “And let me offer my deep condolences to you on the death of your husband.”

This prompted their mama to wipe a tear from her eye, one that Elizabeth suspected may not have been there. “It is only that he would have wished dearly to see all of his daughters well settled. But perhaps it will happen in time.”

“I certainly hope so. You mean to say that none of your daughters have suitors?”

“Elizabeth does, as I am sure you know.”

Elizabeth at last cautiously glanced at Mr. Darcy. He was observing how Jane looked towards Mr. Bingley, but upon hearing her mother’s words, he reddened, looked down, and then raised his eyes towards her.