Page 43 of Eavesdroppers Never Hear
Elizabeth sighed. “This is confidential for the next several days, but Mr Darcy and I are courting.”
Charlotte looked thoroughly startled by the news for a moment, but only a moment. “That is excellent news! How long has this courtship been going on?”
“Since Sunday.”
Charlotte laughed softly. “That explains a great deal.”
“I suppose it does.”
Charlotte appeared to have a plethora of questions but a quick glance around the room showed they were not impervious to eavesdropping, so further discussion was deferred.
“Do you think it will proceed?”
Jane and Mary watched intently, being aware that the courtship was more complicated than most. They were exceedingly interested in the answer but had been mostly afraid to ask. They were well aware that Mr Darcy had just barely dug himself out and still had a ways to go.
“It is too early to tell, and I would rather not discuss it here.”
The three nodded, unsatisfied with the result but unwilling to continue.
Mary changed the subject. “You mentioned you were rather uncomfortable with the officers as well, Jane.”
“I was and still am for that matter. I cannot explain it. The men are amiable and innocuous. I cannot understand my discomfort.”
Charlotte asked, “Could it be the absence of Mr Bingley?”
Jane sighed. “Mr Bingley and I are... nothing to each other.”
Charlotte gasped, unaware of the change in status. “Are you at liberty to explain?”
“I am at liberty, but I prefer to simply say it... went off… as these things often do.”
Charlotte nodded several times while tapping her teeth with her finger (which lady Lucas considered a terrible habit). “How do you feel about it?”
Jane stared for some time in contemplation, as if the question had never occurred to her.
At long last, she said, “Relieved.”
Mary seemed startled, while Charlotte chuckled grimly. “While I obviously cannot empathise with the problems that come with great beauty, I suspect I understand.”
Jane joined in. “That makes one of us.”
Everyone laughed nervously until Charlotte turned her attention to Elizabeth. “I suppose the pressure is on you now?”
She shrugged. “I suppose so, but I have had a surprisingly candid conversation with my mother. I believe we understand each other. I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to my family.”
Charlotte frowned grimly. “That is a difficult position to maintain, Elizabeth.”
“What would you do?”
“I am seven and twenty and rather plain. I have never been romantic. I understand your affinity for romanticism but cannot share it. Give me a reasonable man, with an even temper and good situation, and I will not hesitate for a moment.”
Elizabeth stared at her friend intently, long enough for an ordinary person to become nervous but not enough to rattle Charlotte. Her gaze then alternated between Jane and Mary for some time before she finally made her decision.
“How about the heir presumptive to Longbourn? He may be the silliest man I ever met, and he is certainly the most verbose; but he has a good living right now and will probably inherit Longbourn. He would drive me mad within a week, but he does meet the criteria you specified.”
Jane and Mary gasped, realising their mother was about to have a fit of gigantic proportions.
Charlotte did not bat an eye. “I would take him in a heartbeat.”
