Page 55 of Mr. Darcy's Runaway Bride
Jane searched her face, then nodded, apparently satisfied with what she saw there. “I am glad,” she said simply. “I feared you might have exchanged one unhappy situation for another. But I see now that is not the case.”
“No,” Elizabeth agreed. “It is not the case at all. Now, pray, how is everything at Longbourn? How is Mother?” Elizabeth asked, lowering her voice further.
“Shall we take a turn about the room?” Jane asked, eyes turned to Caroline Bingley.
Elizabeth rose at once and they walked in a turn around the room. Only when they were far enough from prying eyes and eager ears did Jane resume.
“Better, now that Mr Bingley has taken up residence at Netherfield,” Jane admitted with a faint blush. “She has transferred her matrimonial hopes from you to me, I’m afraid.”
“Poor Jane,” Elizabeth said. “Though Mr Bingley seems a far more agreeable prospect than Jonathan Blackfriars ever was.”
“Mr Bingley is everything kind and good,” Jane agreed, her eyes softening. “But Mama’s expectations place a tremendous burden on our acquaintance. I fear she may drive him away with her enthusiasm.”
“I doubt Mr Bingley is so easily discouraged,” Elizabeth said. “He appears most particularly attached to you.”
Jane’s blush deepened, but before she could respond, a footman entered with a letter on a silver tray.
“For Mrs Darcy,” he announced, crossing to present it to Elizabeth.
She recognised her father’s hand immediately. Breaking the seal, she scanned the brief message:
My dear Lizzy (and Mr Darcy),
I understand from Bingley that you have arrived safely at Netherfield. Your mother has been in a state of considerable agitation since receiving word of your imminent visit. I believe it would be best if you called at Longbourn tomorrow morning when she has had opportunity to compose herself. Eleven o’clock would be most convenient, if that suits your plans.
Your father,T. Bennet
Elizabeth folded the letter, anticipation and apprehension settling in her stomach. “My father requests our presence at Longbourn tomorrow morning,” she said to Jane.
“Mother has spoken of little else since learning of your visit,” Jane acknowledged.
Elizabeth sighed and looked towards the window, her fingers tightening slightly around the letter. “I dread thepossibility she may say something… unfortunate. Mamma has never been one for discretion, particularly where money is concerned.”
Jane’s brow furrowed gently. “Lizzy, surely she would not speak so to Mr Darcy—not directly.”
“She may not intend to,” Elizabeth replied, her voice low, “but you know how quickly she can be swept away. I fear she might hint at our situation, or worse—ask something of him. Mr Darcy would never show his displeasure, but I should be mortified.”
Jane gave her sister’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “I do not think she would be so bold. Our uncles’ assistance has brought us a measure of stability—more than she truly understands. There is no cause for alarm just now.”
“Perhaps not,” Elizabeth allowed. “But the entailment remains, hanging over us like a cloud, and Mamma’s imagination often outruns sense.”
Jane was silent for a moment, then said with quiet conviction, “But that is not your responsibility, Lizzy. Nor his. Mr Darcy marriedyou, not our family’s prospects. And he is too discerning to be taken by surprise.”
Elizabeth gave a small, rueful smile. “Indeed. He sees more than he says. Still, I believe it would be best if I went to Longbourn on my own tomorrow. I might soften the way for Mama, or at the very least, give her time to compose herself.”
Jane nodded, clearly in agreement. “Yes, that may be wise. She will be overwhelmed enough simply to see you again—let alone as Mrs Darcy.”
“I shall go early,” Elizabeth said. “Darcy can follow later in the day, once the initial flurry has passed.”
“You are sensible,” Jane said warmly. “And brave. I do not know how you manage her as you do.”
Elizabeth laughed quietly. “Only because she never expects me to behave sensibly. It is our greatest advantage—I may yet surprise her.”
The sisters shared a smile, the only sounds were the soft crackle of the fire and the rhythmic whisper of Miss Bingley’s needle drawing thread through linen.
They passed a window and Elizabeth looked out in the direction of Longbourn, thoughts travelling to her journey there tomorrow. She and Darcy had agreed to go together, but he would understand her desire to go alone, of that she was sure.
Chapter 19
