AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I sighed and leaned back in my chair, closing my eyes. What did this mean?
“Do you need help dressing?” asked my mother.
I opened my eyes to see her standing in the doorway. “Yes, please. And there’s something I must tell you.”
She closed the door and sifted through my closet as I told her what Henry had said.
“He felt a zing?”
“That is what he called it. None of the other children have said anything, but it’s possible they felt it and did not mention it.”
My mother looked thoughtful. “You are right, of course. We must ask Robin. He will tell us the truth and will not wonder why we are asking.”
“Yes, of course.” Robin was blissfully unaware of other’s motives and viewed the world in simple terms. He rather reminded me of Mr. Bingley, now that I thought of it.
“And there is news,” said my mother, her face serious.
“What is it?”
“Jane was invited to Netherfield yesterday to have dinner with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. We were out when the invitation arrived, so your father said she could go.”
“But Mrs. March was taking Kitty and Lydia shopping yesterday. She had the carriage.”
My mother gave me a look she reserved for when she was supremely irritated with something. “She did. Your father, in his infinite wisdom, said that the skies were clear and the weather was mild, so Jane could ride.”
“Ride!”
“Yes. Joseph accompanied her, thankfully. She made it past Meryton before the rain started and galloped the rest of the way, but she was soaked through when she arrived. This came half an hour ago.” She held up a letter in Jane’s hand. “As expected, she spent the night at Netherfield and has awoken with a sore throat, a headache, and a mild cough, but she says it is not too bad.”
“She would say that. Knowing Jane, she has a burning fever and chills, but she does not wish to put anyone out.”
“That sounds like Jane. Shall I order the carriage for you?”
I looked out the window and saw the sun was shining. “I would like some air. I think I shall ride. Then you will have the carriage if you need it.”
“Very well.” She shot me a serious look. “You must be careful, Elizabeth. If they have seen Jane this morning and know how ill she is, they will know something has happened if she is suddenly well after your arrival.”
“I cannot leave her ill!”
“I am not suggesting you do. I am saying be careful. Perhaps heal her by degrees, only a little at a time. Or convince Jane to rest all day if she is feeling better. Mr. Darcy is a shrewd man, and I do not trust Miss Bingley.”
I knew my mother was right, but I did not like it. I watched her set down the green day dress she had been holding and pluck out my green riding habit.
“Maybe we will get lucky and no one has visited her yet this morning,” I said.
“It will be noon before you arrive. I doubt we will be that lucky, but I shall hope. Take Joseph with you and send word back once you know the situation.” She sat me in the chair and began fussing over my hair now that my habit was on.
“Yes, mother.”
“And you must eat a proper meal before you go. Cook saved you a plate in the kitchen. She made your favorite eggs.”
“That was kind of her.”
“She knew you were visiting ill tenants the last three days. I believe your favorite muffins are there as well.”
I smiled. Cook was a dear, and she did make the most delicious food.
“There. All done.” My mother patted my hair and reached into the closet for my riding hat. “I shall send Robin to you in the kitchen before you go. Find me immediately if he says anything suspicious.”
