Chapter Fifty-Eight
I n fact, Jane did know, but she had been strictly charged by Elizabeth to say nothing whatever to Charles Bingley or anyone else. She had received the news from London just a few days before, in a rather poorly written letter, full of exclamations and not at all in Elizabeth’s usual clever style.
Dearest Jane,
The most terrible thing – but first, I must tell you that I am well. Or, at least, as well as can be expected. Oh, dear, I am making such a muddle of this! I have kept some things from you, so as not to worry you, but now I find I must tell everything.
Let me try to order my thoughts. William and I had a lovely trip to Pemberley, which is possibly the most beautiful place in England. I do not exaggerate, Jane! And I was as happy as anything to think of making my home there! But then everything went wrong.
William had sent a letter to his mother to say that we were married, as well as a message from our last stop before arriving, making known his desire to have all the servants standing in front of the house upon our arrival, as is customary when the new mistress of the house arrives.
Well, that did not happen, and William was furious! Lady Anne pretended that she had never gotten the messages and that she had no idea we were wed, though Miss Darcy – Georgiana – made it clear that the messages had been received. Then we learnt that Lady Anne was still in the mistress’ rooms, so there was a big to-do about moving her out immediately so that William and I could move in. Then she refused to eat with us if she was not permitted to occupy the mistress’ chair at the table!
Finally, I thought the worst was over, and indeed, it seemed to be so. I introduced myself to the servants and was at pains to show myself to be a good mistress. I became friendly with Georgiana, hired a companion for her, and even prevailed upon William to have a music master come to Pemberley, so that Georgiana might have the benefit of superior instruction.
But then Lady Anne, perhaps sensing that she was losing the battle, offered the servants a GUINEA if they would refuse to obey my orders!! Yes, a full Guinea each! And some of them accepted her bribe and began to snub me! And then I overheard my personal maid reporting to Lady Anne, telling her how often William and I were together at night! Can you imagine such wickedness!
Wait, I am not yet done! I ran downstairs to tell William of this, but Lady Anne had gotten there before me. I stood outside the study door as she was telling him how much better things would have been had he married his cousin, and he agreed ! Oh, Jane, he agreed with her!
My heart is broken, and I cannot stop crying. What am I to do? I know you will immediately want to come here to be with me, but I must ask that you do not . I know you are in the family way, and I cannot have you jostling here to London, risking your health!
But your letters are always a comfort to me, Jane, and I beg you to write to me!
Oh, Jane, you must tell no one about this! I apologise, but I must ask that you not even tell Charles, as he would doubtless write to William immediately! I know he will come to get me as soon as he knows where I am, and I must delay that as long as may be!
Your devastated sister,
Elizabeth
Tender-hearted Jane wept for an hour upon reading this letter. When her husband saw her face, he threw himself on the floor in front of her and begged her to tell him what was wrong. Jane blamed her tears on her pregnancy, and he was happy to hold her close until her tears stopped.
But as soon as he left the room, assured that all was now well, she wrote back.
Dearest Lizzy,
I am completely and utterly shocked by your letter! I have been in tears this past hour, but have convinced Charles that it is simply due to the babe.
I want very much to come to you, Lizzy, but your words about protecting the babe prevent me. Truth be told, I am often quite sick and not well enough to travel; but I shall write to you every day, so that you feel my presence and my love comforting you!
Tell me, though, why do you not come home? I would be so very happy to have you here at Netherfield! Louisa is a far better person when Caroline is not here, but she cannot compare to you, my beloved Lizzie!
With all my tender affection,
Jane
Elizabeth was very heartened to receive this letter, and she wrote back immediately, explaining that the Countess felt strongly that she needed to make her debut into London society. She added:
Caroline Bingley saw me on Bond Street with my aunt by marriage, the Countess of Matlock. Miss Bingley dared to approach me, but I told the Countess that this was the woman who had tried to compromise William, and the Countess announced this fact in ringing tones, which must have been heard by everyone in the store! And then the newspaper printed a little article, saying that Miss CB had been given the cut direct by the Countess! Oh, Jane, I know this is unkind, but it is Caroline Bingley’s fault that I had to marry so quickly and now have so much to regret! I know she is your sister, but I was happy to see her publicly snubbed.
Jane knew of this, of course, since Mrs. Hurst had seen the article in the newspaper, but she had to smile at Elizabeth’s description of the event. Then she had a thought, which she promptly shared in her next letter to her sister.
As I am unable to come to you, and you do not wish to come here, perhaps you might invite Mary to stay with you? I happen to know that she could use some distraction, as Mama has made it clear that she is most displeased at hearing Mary going on and on about the plight of women in England. I think some time in London, away from Mama, would suit Mary very well.
Upon receiving the letter, Elizabeth’s eyebrows rose. It was a very good thought indeed; Mary was not Jane, but she was the next best thing!