Chapter Thirty-Three
Jane finished penning her letter to her Aunt Madeleine, folded it, and set it aside. She braided her hair, cleaned her teeth and put on her nightgown, all in silence.
Elizabeth watched her sister go through her nightly ritual. Usually Jane had a good deal to say about the events of the day during this process, but tonight she was uncharacteristically quiet. Finally, Elizabeth said, “Jane?”
Jane did not reply. It was not until she climbed into their bed that she turned to her sister and asked, “You truly have no feelings for Mr. Bingley, Lizzy?”
“As I told you,” a puzzled Elizabeth replied.
Jane went on. “It is only that I struggle to believe you. Mr. Bingley is as handsome a gentleman as I have ever met, and as pleasant as could be.”
“I saw that he made an effort to speak with you,” Elizabeth managed.
“Yes; we spoke about country life and Town life, and he was very complimentary towards you, Lizzy, saying that you knew how to run an estate, which was a skill not always found in young ladies.”
“That was kind of him,” Elizabeth murmured.
“Yes. He was everything kind and pleasant and well-mannered and – oh, Lizzy! How can you be so cool about him?”
“Cool?” Elizabeth repeated, utterly confused.
“Yes! So determined not to love him, when certainly any young lady would be happy to have such a man pay her his attentions!”
“You like him, Jane,” Elizabeth realised.
“Of course! Who would not?” Jane countered. “So let us have no more of this missish behaviour from you. You are to be warm and welcoming to him, as would any young lady in these circumstances!”
“Why, I can scarce believe my ears!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “You make no allowance for personal preference, then, Jane? You like him, so everyone must like him?”
“Personal preference? I do not understand you! How could anyone not love him, let alone merely like him? It is impossible! For a gentleman such as Mr. Bingley to favour you – why, it is a gift from Heaven itself!” With that, Jane rolled over and refused to speak another word.
Like Mr. Darcy earlier that day, Elizabeth was suddenly aware that an unpleasant situation was in the process of unfolding.