Chapter Eighty
Jane read her aunt’s short letter several times, her heart sinking.
She was to wait until the fortnight was over?
But had they not promised to send a carriage as soon as it was required?
She did not understand. She found she no longer had an appetite for her breakfast and went upstairs, where she lay down on her bed, motionless. How had her life come to this?
When she heard a knock on her door, she called out, “Go away!”
The knock became persistent, and finally the door opened. “Mama, I am not feeling well.”
“Well, get over it quickly, Jane, as Mr. Bingley is here.”
“He is here every day, but it means nothing,” Jane’s voice was dull.
“He is dressed up very nicely, Jane. I think this is the day!” Mrs. Bennet’s voice was exultant.
“it does not matter; I will not accept him.”
“What! Jane, sit up. Whatever is the matter with you??” Mrs. Bennet was outraged.
Suddenly angry, Jane sat up. “What is the matter with me? Mama, you tell me how I am to say yes to a marriage proposal and then immediately demand three thousand pounds from him!”
“It is not for you to ask for the money, it is your father’s business to do so,” Mrs. Bennet fired back. “All you need to do is to say yes, thank you!”
“I will not do it,” Jane declared. “He will then know me for a fortune hunter!”
“You are a fortune hunter!” Mrs. Bennet shrieked in rage. “Your father has turned you into one!”
There was silence in the room as the two ladies stared at one another.
Jane then threw herself back onto the bed, and put a pillow over her head.
All of Mrs. Bennet’s cajolings were for naught, and she was forced, at last, to go downstairs to tell Mr. Bingley that Miss Bennet was not up to seeing visitors today.