Page 38 of The Sole Love

“Imagine the effect on Meryton of a truly dramatic story,” Jane said, in better spirits than she had been for several days.

They decided to stroll through the village, stopping for tea with Aunt Phillips, but as they were enjoying the sunshine, they decided to walk farther, almost as far as Netherfield.

“I want to apologise,” Jane said.

“No, my dear, I have to interrupt you and say that you have no reason. Believe me. You have suffered, and such misery alters even the nicest person in the world.”

“But now it is over, and I can look at Netherfield and feel nothing!” Jane said with conviction.

“I am sure you can, but you must keep your heart and mind open and take what life has to offer. And I am sure that a person as amiable as you can expect a great deal.”

“I think I want to marry, but of course Mama is more important.”

“With David?” Elizabeth asked, hoping that Jane could not detect the worry in her voice. “Did he make any suggestion regarding the future?”

“No, we discussed nothing in that direction. We thought we would have plenty of time in Bath to discuss even that…if we ever came to that conclusion.”

“So there is no promise between you?”

“No, but I intend not to behave as I did with…Mr Bingley, waiting for him to come to me. I shall ask Uncle Gardiner to invite the Hasketts to dinner or to join us at the theatre. Nothing is decided, and perhaps time will play an important part. But enough about me. Tell me about your Mr Darcy.”

“He is not mine,” Elizabeth replied with a smile. She was in love, and she hoped that the journey to Derbyshire would be so much more than a simple visit.

“But you do want him to propose again?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Are you sure that he is suitable for you? We had the impression that he was rude to people who were not of his society…and conceited.”

“I know, but lately I have seen him differently. Well, I like him anyway.”

Jane could easily understand. There had been a time when she was ready to ignore any flaw Mr Bingley might have, including his propensity to follow the advice of friends and family. Still, her Mr Bingley was a tender and gentle man, while Mr Darcy… But then she realised that Elizabeth needed a different kind of man from Mr Bingley.

They left Meryton, taking the road towards Netherfield. In the distance, they could see people working in the garden and considerable activity in and around the house. Elizabeth discreetly looked at her sister to see whether the sight disturbed her. Usually, she could tell from the blush on her cheeks or the quiver of her eyelashes whether Jane was sad or excited. But that morning, her sister looked at Bingley’s house with serenity. It was a bad sign for their plan.

She wanted to ask her more, but Jane suddenly turned to her and took her hand.

“I know there is something wrong with Mama!” she said. “I need to know why there is such secrecy.”

Elizabeth froze in the midst of the hot summer day. “What do you mean by ‘secrecy’?”

“I have the impression that they are not telling us the truth.”

“About—?”

“About Mama, of course. What is wrong with you? Are there other secrets?”

They were on dangerous ground. Elizabeth wondered whether Jane had heard any of their discussions. It was unlikely; she would not be that calm if she knew the truth. But the sudden change of subject left Elizabeth with no time to prepare. She detested lying, and hiding the truth about such a horrible matter required a considerable effort. Jane thought they were lying about their mother’s health. And it was true, only that lie concealed another lie.

Her hesitation and apparent need for reflection made Jane frantic.

“You know the truth, and you are keeping it from me!”

“There is no secret, Jane.” Elizabeth spoke with an effort.

“Is Mama going to die…?” Jane whispered, all her anger gone in the face of such a dreadful prospect.

Finally, there was a truth Elizabeth could tell, and she embraced her sister with all the love they shared.