Chapter Four #2
Elizabeth’s mouth opened once, twice, as if to speak, but no example sprang to mind. She lowered her gaze to the patterned carpet, its floral scrolls suddenly fascinating.
“Now you comprehend. He found her beautiful and sought her attention whenever they met, but never alone. What grieves me most is that Mr. Bingley raised expectations not only in your sister’s heart, but throughout the neighbourhood.
Your mother spoke openly of Jane’s forthcoming happiness because everyone anticipated it.
Regrettably, those at Netherfield Park did not share this expectation. ”
A faint sigh escaped Elizabeth. She rose and drifted towards the window, gazing out at the garden in muted sorrow. A profound disappointment knotted in her chest. How could such a kind man behave with such duplicity, and still regard his reflection without shame?
“He truly deceived her,” she murmured. “I was certain of his attachment to my sister.”
“I suspect that once his family rejoined him in London, they persuaded him that Jane’s affections were insufficient.” Her father’s voice was gentle, yet firm. “No doubt, Mr. Darcy offered an opinion on the matter.”
Elizabeth turned, brow furrowed. “By what authority does he meddle in Mr. Bingley’s affairs?”
“You forget, Mr. Bingley reveres his friend’s judgment. I imagine Mr. Darcy counselled him to remain in town and examine the depth of his feelings for Jane. He might yet return, though I would not place a wager on that outcome.”
Elizabeth paced a few restless steps.
“Jane received another letter from Miss Bingley confirming they have settled in London indefinitely. She mentioned Miss Darcy once more as her brother’s most current object of admiration.”
“I am not surprised. Saddened, but not surprised.”
“Jane intends to call on Miss Bingley when in town.”
Papa arched an eyebrow. “As Miss Bennet, or as Lady Jane?"
Elizabeth gasped slightly, startled by the question. “I had not considered that.”
Her father once again leaned back in his comfortable chair, a playful glint in his eye.
“My counsel? Leave well enough alone,” Papa remarked with his characteristic dry wit. “Should Miss Bingley catch even a whisper of our elevated circumstances, she would seize the reins herself and drive her brother to Gracechurch Street faster than you can say advantageous match.”
At the vivid image, Elizabeth’s laughter pealed through the room like silver bells.
“What has you so amused?”
“I had a vision of Miss Bingley.” Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “I imagined her whipping a team of horses into a wild frenzy through the crowded streets of London, the feathers of one of her many ostentatious turbans fluttering in the wind behind her.”
Her melodious laughter bubbled over, and Papa’s deep, resonant chuckle joined hers, his face crinkling with delight. It was precisely then that Jane appeared in the doorway.
“Goodness! What merriment is this?” she asked, her finely arched brow lifted in curiosity. “I could hear you from halfway down the corridor.”
Elizabeth resumed her seat and Jane settled gracefully in the remaining chair across from their father’s desk.
As Elizabeth related her vision of Miss Bingley’s imagined journey from fashionable Mayfair to the merchant district around Cheapside, Jane pressed her fingers to her lips, her shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.
“Both of you are incorrigible,” she managed to say, after composing herself.
“I came to inform you that Mamma has had Mrs. Hill prepare tea in the small parlour. She remains hopeful for visitors today, despite the frost. The house has been rather quiet since the Gardiners departed with Kitty and Lydia.”
“Indeed,” Elizabeth replied. “Lady Lucas is too consumed with Charlotte’s wedding preparations to pay any calls, poor Aunt Phillips still suffers from a lingering cold that has turned her nose as red as a ripe apple, and the King family is exhausted from the steady stream of hopeful suitors since it was revealed that Miss King inherited ten thousand pounds upon the death of her grandfather. ”
“Which is precisely why our recent good fortune remains a family secret,” Papa said, rising.
“Any gentleman who did not think you worthy of his attention before my elevation to earl is not worthy of your attention now, nor of your mother’s excellent tea and seed cake, which I think we should hasten to partake in. ”
Candles blazed from every window of Lucas Lodge, casting a warm, golden glow across the frost-dusted gardens as carriages deposited guests for the engagement celebration in honour of Miss Charlotte Lucas.
Though Elizabeth had genuine happiness for Charlotte, evident in the way her dear friend’s eyes sparkled with newfound purpose, she could not help but question the wisdom of such a match.
Even Papa had ventured forth an opinion that his cousin was not the sharpest knife at the dinner table.
Still, Charlotte had seized her chance at independence, even if that freedom came with the price of Mr. Collins’ company, and his endless praise and adoration of Lady Catherine and her opinions.
It was during a quiet moment amidst the festivities, where Sir William once again regaled a captive audience with tales about his investiture at St. James’s Court, that Charlotte approached Elizabeth with an invitation.
“You must join us in Kent next Easter. My father and Maria will be visiting, and your father would surely not object. Since you and Jane plan to be in London following my wedding, my father could collect you from your uncle’s residence, and you might travel together.”
Elizabeth hesitated, uncertain how to navigate their altered circumstances without revealing too much.
“I have been remiss in not telling you earlier,” she began carefully, lowering her voice as Mrs. Long swept past in a scented cloud of camphor. “I hesitated to trouble you with our affairs while you have been occupied with wedding preparations and selecting linens.”
“I must confess, I have been preoccupied,” Charlotte said with a wry smile. “What news do you wish to impart?”
“My father’s cousin has passed. Papa has been asked to attend the reading of the will, as he stands to inherit substantially.”
“The cousin whose estate your family visits every second year?”
“Yes. Rather than visiting Tetherwood this summer, we shall likely take up residence there. How strange it will be without Cousin Arthur’s familiar figure in those halls.”
“An estate for your father? What an unexpected blessing for your family.” Charlotte pressed their hands together, her face alight with genuine pleasure. “I confess I have worried about your mother and sisters’ security after your father’s time. Tell me, does an entail restrict this property?”
“None that we are aware of. Jane and I shall remain in town through January, before rejoining our parents and Mary in Bedfordshire.” Elizabeth withdrew her hands from Charlotte’s gentle hold.
“I must beg your discretion on this matter. Papa fears that rumours of our inheritance might invite unwelcome attention.”
“Is that the reason Kitty and Lydia were dispatched to schools in Kent?”
“In part. Their infatuation with the officers had grown excessive, and a governess would scarcely have prevented their daily pilgrimages to Meryton.” Elizabeth sighed, a small crease forming between her brows.
“Schools at a considerable distance from both Hertfordshire and the militia seemed the wisest course.”
“Your father chose prudently.” Charlotte’s expression took on a hue of sadness. “I shall lament your absence while in Kent, and miss your company dearly.”
“While I cannot make firm commitments until Papa’s inheritance is settled, be assured I shall endeavour to call upon you.” Elizabeth’s lips curved into a teasing smile. “Perhaps not immediately, but in due course, I shall honour your parlour with my humble presence.”
“Oh, I do hope you keep that promise.” Charlotte reached for Elizabeth’s hand once more. “You remain my closest and dearest friend.”