Page 47 of The Sole Love

“Lizzy said that Mr Bingley is expected to be here,” Mr Bennet continued in the same anxious tone.

“Let us be calm and rest. We are three to five days’ journey from London, so we are almost safe. And if Mr Bingley does not appear, we shall make Jane remain here for Lizzy’s wedding until she forgets that man in London.”

Mr Bennet gave a weak and tired smile, but his expression was more serene. “You are speaking now like Mrs Bennet about a marriage that is not yet decided.”

“Oh, do not speak nonsense. It is a matter of days, if not hours, before the betrothal is announced. Lizzy will not return home with us, believe me.”

Mr Bennet nodded. “I know. I am just trying to get used to the idea. Lately, it is difficult to think about Longbourn as my home. I never truly contemplated that it was only my family’s temporary home. It is sad for a man of my age not to truly own his residence.”

“Please do not speak like that. As we know, Lizzy will have the means to take care of her mother and sisters if—God forbid—it should be necessary. Leave these sad thoughts, and let us enjoy our stay here and try to find Jane a husband.”

Chapter 20

Elizabeth realised that, during the last few days, she had seldom spoken to Jane. It was not only the inconvenience of travelling in different carriages but also an uneasiness she felt as they approached Pemberley. She did not like the feeling, but keeping that secret made her avoid Jane. She was never tempted to tell her the truth, yet she still felt as though she were betraying her dear sister, even if that was not the case. Such a brutal revelation could destroy Jane forever, but living with such a burden was distressing.

Again, Mrs Gardiner had tempered her melancholy. “Stop thinking from your perspective. You did the best you could in this situation, and now you must have only one concern: your own love and marriage.”

Elizabeth found Jane in her room, almost dancing around, so delighted was she to have a room of her own, a splendid room, in fact, that made Elizabeth wonder what the master’s rooms must look like if the guests had such luxury at hand.

They stood close together before the window, admiring the park.

“You may not remain silent, Elizabeth Bennet. I do not know what is happening with you, but we all saw your walk with Mr Darcy. So, did he—?”

Elizabeth smiled, relieved. Aunt Gardiner was right: it was time to concentrate on her own problems and forget all the others. Even Jane thought the same.

“He will—now I know he will. We solved our problems, and I think he was only waiting to arrive at Pemberley to ask the big question.”

She did not say a word about the second proposal, sure that Jane would not understand such a game. And besides, those were their secrets, discussions between a man and a woman that, for once, were not for others’ ears.

“I am so happy, imagining you being the mistress of all this. It is like a king’s palace and not an ordinary house. But I also have news: David wrote to me.”

All the happiness Elizabeth felt evaporated with those words. “How? Here at Pemberley?” She tried to sound calm while turmoil reigned within her.

“Yes, he sent his letter directly here, and it arrived before we did. He is so intelligent. He said that he wrote his letter the day we visited his family.”

“And what does he say?” Elizabeth asked with growing fear.

“He writes about his friends and says that they may come to Derbyshire…”

“No!” Elizabeth cried. Luckily, Jane was still gazing at the garden and thought her sister was delighted by the news.

“Yes, dear,” she said, turning to Elizabeth. At that moment, the maids came to light the candles, and in the semi-darkness, Jane could not see her sister’s face.

“Jane, I need to know something, and please answer me with complete sincerity.”

“Of course, my dear. I am always sincere with you.”

“Do you love Mr Haskett?”

“Love? I do not feel the way I felt for Mr Bingley, but it is a strong feeling,” Jane answered, and Elizabeth’s world collapsed around her.

“I am at ease with him, as I told you earlier.”

“And does Mr Haskett intend to come to Derbyshire just for you?”

“That I do not know, but of course I suppose so.”

“To…ask you to marry him?” Elizabeth asked hesitantly, desperately fearing the answer.