Chapter Seventy-Seven
Iknow not what to make of this,” Mrs. Gardiner declared.
“Has Mr. Bingley not yet proposed?” her husband asked, preparing to walk to his offices.
“No, and she has decided not to wait for him. Listen to this.” She read aloud.
Dearest Aunt Madeleine,
It seems to me the meanest of tricks to lure Mr. Bingley into making me an offer and then immediately demanding three thousand pounds from him. He could not look upon me with anything but disdain afterwards, and the idea of having him do so makes me utterly heartsick!
So I write to you today to ask you to send your carriage to bring me to London at once. I had rather marry someone I do not love, than to have the one man that I do love regard me with dislike!
I cannot imagine why anyone would want me, with no dowry and needing money immediately, but I am willing to do my best.
Please let me know when to expect the carriage. I will be ready.
Your sad but determined niece,
Jane
“Well, I must say that I honour her feelings,” Mr. Gardiner said, doubtfully. “And she certainly has a point. No man wishes to confess his finer feelings to a young lady and then be met with a demand for a good deal of cash.”
“But wait,” Mrs. Gardiner said. “There is another letter.”
Dearest Aunt Madeleine,
I know Jane has written to you – or is about to write – to ask that you bring her to London. Please do not do so. The money Papa needs will be in his hands on the thirteenth of January, and there is no need for Jane to sacrifice herself.
I know this all sounds most unlikely, but I will explain everything when I can!
Your loving niece,
Lizzy
Mr. Gardiner began to laugh. “I think you should write to Jane and tell her that you prefer to wait until the fortnight has expired! You can attribute it to women’s intuition, or some such thing.”
Mrs. Gardiner glared at her husband, but went to her writing desk at once.