Elizabeth checks on Jane after Bingley’s visit
September 19, 1812
“Now,” said she, “that this first meeting is over, I feel perfectly easy. I know my own strength, and I shall never be embarrassed again by his coming. I am glad he dines here on Tuesday. It will then be publicly seen that, on both sides, we meet only as common and indifferent acquaintance.” – Chapter 54
Later that evening, Elizabeth peeked into Jane’s room and saw her sister sitting quietly on her bed. “May I come in?” she asked.
Jane turned and smiled. “Please, do.”
Elizabeth walked in and sat down next to Jane. “I thought Mr. Bingley looked well today.”
“He looked just as I remembered him.” Jane unwittingly trembled.
Elizabeth laughed softly. “Yes, he has aged quite well in the… ten months since you have seen him.”
“Oh, Lizzy! One does not age in ten months! But it was good of him to come. And Mr. Darcy, as well.”
“Oh, yes! I was rather surprised he accompanied his friend to pay us a visit.” Elizabeth shook her head. “He was so silent and…” She took in an unsteady breath. “Actually, I think several of us were a little unsure of what to say.” She smiled at Jane.
“Was I terribly quiet?” Jane asked. “At the time I thought I was speaking, but I fear most of my words were swirling about in my head.” She cast a regretful glance at her sister. “Do you suppose he thought me terribly uncivil?”
Elizabeth patted Jane’s hand. “No, I do not believe Mr. Bingley thought so. He was amiable enough for all of us.”
“Yes,” Jane sighed. “He is the most amiable man… I suppose the two men are paying calls to everyone in the neighborhood.”
Elizabeth tilted her head and glanced at her sister. “That may be true, Jane, but I believe, that in the three days since they arrived, this is the very first call they have made.”
Jane’s eyes widened. “Do you truly think so, Lizzy?” She then furrowed her brows. “But we cannot be certain, and even if it was, we cannot assume there was any particular reason for them to visit us first.”
“Perhaps not, but I noticed Mr. Bingley looked at you quite often.”
“You must be imagining things, dear Lizzy. He and I both behaved as though we are merely good friends.” Jane straightened her shoulders and gave Elizabeth a determined look. “I am quite certain I shall be perfectly at ease from now on when I see him.”
Elizabeth took Jane’s hand. “Yes, now that the two of you are merely good friends,” she said with a teasing smile. “You just keep telling yourself that.”
Jane looked down at their entwined hands, squeezed her sister’s hand, and released it. “But that is all I can be assured of now.” She stood up and folded her arms across her and walked away from the bed. “I know what you are thinking, Lizzy, and I must ask that you not give me false hopes. It is bad enough that Mother constantly expresses all her aspirations, not to mention the speculative glances I receive from people in the neighborhood since his return.” She spun around. “Promise me you will abide by my wishes. I need you to help me be sensible about what his feelings are for me.”
Elizabeth stood up and walked over to Jane. “I will do anything for you. You will not hear me even mention that man’s name again, and I promise not to look at you in any manner you might deem to be a teasing glance. My dearest Jane, you have my word!” She drew Jane into a hug, and as she looked over her sister’s shoulder, she could not keep a half-hearted smile from appearing. She could certainly smile for Jane, but wondered whether she had the same assurance for herself. Did Mr. Darcy still possess the same affection for her?
1 comments
You know, just a few honest words during the visit would have sorted it all out immediately! But then we possibly wouldn’t have had Lady Catherine’s visit to Elizabeth? (Although she actually visited because she thought ODC were engaged so heaven knows what she would do if it was actually confirmed!)