Chapter Twenty-Six
Mr Bingley's return to Hertfordshire was followed by only a few days of uncertainty before his intentions became impossible to misunderstand.
If his admiration had been evident in Lyme, it appeared only to have increased during their separation.
He sought Jane's company whenever propriety permitted it and looked happier in her presence than any man had a right to do.
The event itself occurred with very little drama and great happiness on the part of everyone at Longbourn.
Elizabeth, returning from an errand in the village, encountered Mr Bingley in the hall and was immediately struck by his appearance.
His eyes were wide and he kept pulling at his cravat.
He greeted her warmly enough, but there was a distraction in his manner which sat very oddly upon him.
Twice during their brief conversation his attention wandered towards the garden door, and when Elizabeth happened to follow his glance she saw him colour like a schoolboy caught in a mischief.
"Ohhhh," she said.
Mr Bingley laughed, though rather nervously. "Yes."
Elizabeth smiled. "I believe my sister is walking in the rose garden."
???
Ten minutes later the entire household knew the happy news and if Mrs Bennet returned to levels of volume that had been unheard in the home for quite some time, no one begrudged her for it.
Yet when the first excitement subsided and Elizabeth found herself alone with her sister for a moment, it was her sister’s quiet delight that stuck in her mind.
Jane sat by the window, one hand still resting upon the arm of her chair. She appeared lit from the inside. Contentment came off her in waves and she looked as beautiful as she had ever done.
"You knew," said Elizabeth.
Jane smiled. "I hoped, dearest."
"No. You knew."
A faint colour rose in her cheeks. "I trusted him."
Elizabeth laughed and kissed her forehead. "Which is infinitely more irritating."