Chapter Fifty-Six
The Bennet family had, for the most part, managed to pretend that Elizabeth’s departure was entirely expected, and even smiled at everyone’s looks of surprise, but after all the guests had left, the pretense fell apart immediately.
Mrs. Bennet was in tears, thinking that the family’s pursuit of Mr. Bingley – for so it must be termed – was in danger of failing.
Mrs. Gardiner said, again and again, that she would bet good money on Mr. Bingley proposing to Jane in short order, but Mrs. Bennet refused to be comforted.
Kitty and Lydia were engaged in some sort of squabble that no one cared to understand.
Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet fled to the study as soon as possible to escape the commotion. For the same reason, Jane went up to her room and threw herself onto her bed. There she remained until she was called down for dinner.
***
It was not until that evening that Jane found Elizabeth’s letter. It had been tucked into a drawer beside her hairbrush. Elizabeth would have known her sister would find it when she prepared herself for bed.
Dearest Jane,
If Mr. Bingley cannot make up his mind between us, then someone must make it up for him.
I am simply removing myself from the competition.
Put it about that Mary asked me to accompany her to help her set up her new home, and I shall be gone for an unknown amount of time.
If I am right – and I am quite certain that I am!
– Mr. Bingley will offer for you quite soon.
I could not warn you of this, Jane, as you would have begged me not to go and you know I can refuse you nothing. Or you would have told Mama who would have locked me in my room! No, there was nothing to do but to make it a fait accompli.
But, Jane, you must write and tell me what happens!!
All my love,
Lizzy
From the moment the coach had trundled out of sight, Jane had suspected this to be her sister’s motive.
She wished Elizabeth had confided in her, but doubtless Elizabeth was right; she would have talked her sister out of it.
Elizabeth had taken this necessary step, despite parental disapproval; it was now up to Jane to finish the task.
She could not imagine what she was to do, given that she had made her preference for Mr. Bingley as clear as any young lady could manage without being too forward, but she would do her best.