Page 30 of Miss Bingley’s Return

“Ah, yes,” agreed Mr. Darcy. “I did know something of that.”

“What makes me more curious,” said Elizabeth, “is whether you have any knowledge of Mr. Harrington’s apparent interest in Jane.”

“Only a little,” said Darcy. “One evening in company, Harrington asked me about her, but he did nothing more than that.”

“Which shows his interest,” mused Elizabeth.

“That it does.”

Sensing that Mr. Darcy could tell her no more, Elizabeth did not press.

A little later, Elizabeth had a chance to speak with Jane.

“Mr. Harrington is an interesting man,” said Jane when Elizabeth asked her about him.

“And he shows good judgment,” teased Elizabeth. “He directs his interest to you.”

Accustomed to Elizabeth’s teasing as she was, Jane contented herself with a smile and a nod. “I have noticed he is often present when Mr. Bingley is not.”

“Yet he has remained respectful and steady,” observed Elizabeth. “By my account, his attention carries quiet interest and allows you to respond without pressure.”

Jane nodded and turned to Elizabeth, and while she made no outward sign, Elizabeth could tell that his acquaintance pleased her sister. “I find his company both surprising and welcome.”

“What do you think he means by it?”

“At present,” said Jane, “I am uncertain he means anything. But enough about Mr. Harrington. It is time to speak of Mr. Bingley.”

“Oh?” asked Elizabeth, arching a brow. “Is there news on that front?”

Jane nodded. “Nothing from Mr. Bingley—just what I have observed. I have learned that Mr. Bingley is not mine, Lizzy. Something else has claimed him.”

Elizabeth regarded her sister with uncertainty. “You did not hear this from Mr. Bingley?”

“No, but I still know it.” Jane offered Elizabeth a smile, sad though a little knowing. “It is not that he feels differently, but he does not understand his own mind at present. Until he does, there is little to be gained from hoping where there is no room for it.”

“Then you are resigned?” asked Elizabeth.

“No, Lizzy. I have decided that I shall not be placed in competition with whatever distracts Mr. Bingley, whether that is the other woman of whom you speak, or something else. I shall not refuse to meet Mr. Bingley, but I shall do so with kindness, not expectation.”

“Then you have removed yourself from Caroline’s design,” said Elizabeth.

“Perhaps I have,” replied Jane. “But I do not do it with acrimony. Though Caroline has proven that more than simple friendship motivated her kindness, I still call her friend.”

“Nor would I have thought you would do otherwise.”

Elizabeth sighed and caught up her sister’s hand, squeezing with affection. “Though I sympathize, for Mr. Bingley is an excellent man, I cannot deny your perspicacity on this matter, Jane. Do you mean to tell Miss Bingley?”

Jane’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “Do you suppose that Miss Bingley would listen if I did?”

“No, I do not suppose it,” laughed Elizabeth. “Only remember that Caroline might not wish to allow such a simple escape from her designs.”

“Perhaps she will not,” said Jane. “That is one reason I will say nothing to her—after all, I am not closing off all notion of a future with Mr. Bingley; I am only waiting until he proves he wants it. I shall allow her to continue weaving her webs, but unless Mr. Bingley gives me some definitive sign he has reconsidered, I mean to offer my civility, but nothing more.”

“This is the most sensible thing you could do under the circumstances, Jane,” said Elizabeth, kissing her sister’s cheek.

Jane nodded, but before she could speak, Miss Bingley stepped to them, and for a moment Elizabeth wondered if she had heard their conversation. The supposition was proven incorrect through Miss Bingley’s behavior, which was warm and tinted with just a hint of insistence.

“Come, Jane, join Charles and me, for we are having the most interesting conversation.”